Mayor Billy Kenoi faces eight charges — including several counts of theft — for his use of a Hawaii County credit card. ADVERTISING Mayor Billy Kenoi faces eight charges — including several counts of theft — for his use of
Mayor Billy Kenoi faces eight charges — including several counts of theft — for his use of a Hawaii County credit card.
But for some charges, it’s not yet clear what expenses are tied to the alleged crimes.
Asked for additional details, a spokesman for the state attorney general’s office, which conducted the year-long investigation into Kenoi’s spending habits, said it’s policy not to comment about a case that is under litigation.
Here’s what we know about the charges so far from Kenoi’s indictment and what his own expense records reveal.
Volcano House
On June 30, 2014, Kenoi charged $200 on his county purchasing card, also known as a pCard, at the Volcano House Restaurant, according to his expense records.
Prosecutors allege Kenoi committed the crime of tampering with a government record at a later date — July 28, 2014 — by falsely listing that expense as being for a “Luncheon with U.S. Conference of Mayors visitors.” They also allege he committed the crime of third-degree theft the day he was at Volcano House.
No other pCard charges match that date.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant
Prosecutors allege Kenoi committed third-degree theft again on Nov. 16, 2014.
The only pCard expense that matches that date is a $170 charge at Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Waikoloa.
Hilo Yacht Club
Prosecutors allege Kenoi committed the crime of tampering with a government record by falsely listing an expense at the Hilo Yacht Club on Oct. 20, 2011, as being for an “Office of Strategic Planning Luncheon.” His pCard records show he spent $320 at the yacht club that day.
Longs Drugs
Prosecutors allege Kenoi committed the crime of tampering with a government record by falsely listing a March 17, 2013, expense at Longs Drugs in Kailua-Kona as being for “Sam Choy’s Poke Contest Volunteer Appreciation Event.” His pCard records show he spent $125.95 at the store.
Second-degree theft
Kenoi’s two counts of second-degree theft — his most serious charge — are based on pCard expenses covering several months.
For one count, prosecutors allege he stole at least $300 between May 11, 2011, and Oct. 20, 2011.
The second count alleges a theft of a similar value occurred between Jan. 17, 2013, and June 28, 2013.
It’s not clear what pCard expenses are the basis for these charges or if they are based on single or multiple expenses.
Below is a partial list of pCard charges exceeding $300 during those time-frames:
• Sansei Seafood Restaurant in Waikoloa, $422 (May 12, 2011).
• Hilton Lobby Bar in Baltimore, $479.88 (June 21, 2011).
• Clyde’s Gallery Place (restaurant) in Washington, D.C., $484.18 (June 22, 2011).
• Hilton Food and Beverage in Waikoloa, $1,143.36 (Aug. 13, 2011).
• Hilo Yacht Club, $320, (Oct. 20, 2011).
• Clyde’s Gallery Place (restaurant) in Washington, D.C., $600 (Transaction: Jan. 16, 2013; posted: Jan. 21, 2013).
• Pharmacare Koapaka in Honolulu, $316.21 (April 20, 2013).
• Sansei Seafood Restaurant in Waikoloa, $600 (May 24, 2013).
False swearing
Kenoi also faces a count of false swearing.
His indictment alleges on Feb. 6, 2015, he made a false statement under oath that he did not believe to be true.
It’s not clear if this was a written or verbal statement.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
