Council members react to Kenoi’s county card use

With the exception of two members, the Hawaii County Council is choosing to remain tight-lipped concerning Mayor Billy Kenoi’s personal use of a county-issued credit card.

Councilwoman Margaret Wille said she thinks Kenoi has some explaining to do to the community, and hopes he will.

“I feel that he should have the opportunity to explain and be accountable,” she said. “But up until now, he hasn’t been willing to really speak.”

Wille said people, herself included, make mistakes, but it is important to be transparent. An $892 charge at a “sleazy hostess bar,” she said, deserves an explanation.

Councilman Aaron Chung said that from a financial standpoint, Kenoi paid back what he charged on the card and there was “no loss” to the county.

“From what I’ve seen, he regrets, he admits making a mistake and he’s apologized for it,” he said.

With regard to where Kenoi used the card, Chung said that is a personal matter, something the mayor has to deal with on his own.

As for the county purchasing cards, or pCards, Chung says he’s never been a big fan of them. And whether the council has any authority to reform the program, Chung said he doesn’t know.

Wille said she thinks the council must do more to prevent future situations like this, perhaps via the introduction of legislation.

“If we, as a council, don’t speak out and say something, we’re acquiescing and enabling this is acceptable behavior,” she said.

Five council members — Valerie Poindexter, Dennis Onishi, Maile David, Dru Mamo Kanuha and Karen Eoff — did not return phone calls seeking comment Wednesday.

Members Daniel Paleka Jr. and Greggor Ilagan were reached but declined to comment.

Email Chris D’Angelo at cdangelo@hawaiitribune-herald.com.