Billy Kenoi indicted today of theft

[kalakoa]

Some of us tax-payers may not want to support businesses like club evergreen

I disagree with most County expenditures of my tax revenue, but that hasn't stopped anything.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Interesting to see that this doesn't seem to have changed the opinion of too many folks

I think part of the reason is because it's a white collar crime, and a political white collar crime at that. People who recognize white collar crimes are treated differently understand this case will be handled with a lighter touch. The people who want to see Billy fined or jailed know that in the working class world an employee who took $30,000 would be considered a thief or an embezzler and probably would do time. Why not Billy they ask?

Because like it or not, that's not how the world works. Take as an example the woman at the Bank of Hawaii who took funds from the Little League team account a few years back, about $50,000 if I remember correctly. No embarrassing photo or mugshot, in fact mostly positive comments described her in the paper:

"Cheryl’s a really good lady"
"trying to be a good mother"

She could have been sentenced to 30 years but instead received probation. The money she stole was paid back by the FDIC.

White collar crime pays.

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

[leilanidude]

HiloPuna - It was reported that Billy received a large payment on his pCard personal totals by some group - I think it was a union group? It was posted in numerous accounts.
Curious as to why you are so adamant that he is innocent on all charges when he admitted wrongdoing and he falsified records to cover up his charges by using fake attendees at some of these "meetings".

[sistersue]

He knew for 6 years what he was doing and thought he wouldn't get caught. I don't understand his reasoning at all.

[TomK]

Strongly worded editorial in the Honolulu Civil Beat calling for Kenoi's resignation:

http://www.civilbeat.com/2016/04/resigna...lly-kenoi/

[Guest]

Hotpe, were you referring to this recent theft case on our island? Pretty sure mayor kenoi's son was a player on the football team from hilo, that earned its way to Florida.

http://westhawaiitoday.com/news/local-ne...rner-theft

In many of these types of theft cases its the keiki that are hurt the most. The kids lose out on many types of opportunities when funds are stolen. They also learn early in life, that theft can pay quite well with only a wrist slap if EVER caught,jmo.

This next article sheds some light on many other issues or problems within our judicial system here in hilo.

http://www.waronwethepeople.com/journali...e-scandal/

I don't think cameras will be aloud in any public court case involving our mayor either. The public seems to have no rights even if it was their money stolen, or their money used to build the judicial systems courthouse.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

gypsy,
That was yet another case, with similar circumstances. Both women stole far more money than Billy ever charged on his pCard, and both took money meant for children. How low can you go? And yet both received a slap on the wrist.

You make a good point, what do our keiki learn from this? Kids may not always pay attention to the news, but these cases had a personal affect on them, and they knew the money was meant for them to travel to the playoffs.

What's the lesson the kids learned, some of them anyway? White collar crime pays, and it pays well.

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

[TomK]

"As far as "front the money" ? Really? I'd like to see the reference in a legitimate source to this "fact". Your final assumption regarding the Mayors financial condition is pure conjecture and easily dismissed as such."

Tax payers fronted the money. Unknowingly.

[ironyak]

Originally posted by HiloPuna
As far as "front the money" ? Really? I'd like to see the reference in a legitimate source to this "fact".

Not sure if this is what leilanidude was referencing-
http://khon2.com/2015/04/02/mayors-credi...hsba-dues/
From January 2009 to the pCard statement running through the end of this February, Kenoi charged more than $122,805 to the taxpayer-backed card.
Of that, the mayor paid back about $29,571, and others like trade organizations paid back about $6,013 for him.

Seems like a fact that Kenoi had helping paying back his personal pCard purchases, yes?

As for Kenoi's jetsetting lifestyle, there have been many questions raised about how he spent 3x-4x the previous mayor on pCard purchases, mostly for travel, food, and lodging.
http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/sections/...00000.html
(from 2012 - similar articles back to at least 2010)

Combined with repeatedly not disclosing gifts as required by law, there is clearly a pattern of dishonest behavior when it comes to purchases and spending.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/28768...port-gifts

Have to wait and see if Honolulu Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario thinks any crimes were committed; but regardless, there is plenty of evidence that Kenoi is not fit to hold any public office IMHO.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news...kenoi-case

[kalakoa]

trade organizations paid back about $6,013 for him

I'm sure this was a legitimate "campaign contribution" and not an illegal "bribe".