A subdued and outwardly contrite Mayor Billy Kenoi came before the County Council on Wednesday to talk about the budget, but first on his plate was a serving of humble pie. ADVERTISING A subdued and outwardly contrite Mayor Billy Kenoi
A subdued and outwardly contrite Mayor Billy Kenoi came before the County Council on Wednesday to talk about the budget, but first on his plate was a serving of humble pie.
“Aloha. To the Hawaii County Council, I’d like to first begin by apologizing to all of you for the mistakes I’ve made,” Kenoi said. “To the hard working employees of the county of Hawaii, to the good people who call Hawaii Island home, to the many people who are deeply disappointed, I am truly sorry. “
It was Kenoi’s first appearance before the County Council since last month’s report by West Hawaii Today revealing that he routinely used his county credit card, known as a pCard, for personal purchases ranging from bar tabs to surfboards.
Kenoi was there to open up a three-day session on his $434.7 million spending plan. The operating budget, a 4.3 percent increase over last year, does not raise property taxes, although individual property owners may see increases if the value of their property rises.
The increase is due primarily to union-negotiated pay hikes and federal and state mandates, county officials said.
Members of the public coming forward to testify were more likely to talk about the mayor’s pCard use than the budget itself. Several asked the county to be more open to responding to the public’s questions and request for records.
“Don’t be afraid to give the information out to the public … not everyone’s out to stab you in the back,” said Puna resident Joyce Folena. “When the government is open and transparent and helpful, the public trusts the government.”
“When the trust of the public is breached, it’s very difficult to get it back,” said Richard Abbett of Ka‘u.
Puna resident Greg Smith also emphasized the trust issue.
“What the hell else is this guy cheating,” said Smith. “What the heck else is the mayor doing with our money and our public trust?”
Matt Binder of Kona questioned why only one council member has spoken up about the mayor’s use of his pCard, even after it was revealed Kenoi used it at hostess bars.
“I think the mayor has intimidated you into being followers,” said Binder.
Council members generally thanked the mayor for coming to the meeting and most lofted softball questions to him.
Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter and Hilo Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi praised Kenoi for his work on improving county parks. Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung praised him for trimming tens of millions off a $400-plus million budget he inherited from former Mayor Harry Kim and carrying the county through the Great Recession.
Puna Councilman Danny Paleka voiced his support. South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Maile David also said she supported the mayor, and praised his work for the county. David, rather than viewing the council as the appropriating body of the county, said she’d be coming to the mayor to ask for more money for her district.
“I don’t believe our role is adjudicators or triers of fact,” David said.
Only Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille and Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan suggested any difficulties.
“The public has concerns and it is my responsibility to address those concerns,” Ilagan said. “It is my responsibility to get all the facts.”
Ilagan said he will likely be introducing legislation after the legislative auditor completes her audit of county pCards sometime in June.
Wille said she’s concerned about Kenoi trying to intimidate county employees and other officials. She said she’s willing to work with him if he’s willing to work with her.
“Take the bully out of Billy,” Wille said. “We all hear, kids grow up.”
The mayor next submits an amended budget May 5 that takes into account the certified property values. The council has until June 30, the last day of the fiscal year, to pass a budget or the mayor’s budget automatically goes into effect July 1.
