Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi turned himself in to authorities this morning at the Puna police Station. A bench warrant for his arrest had been issued for Kenoi’s arrest following a Hilo Grand Jury’s indictment following eight criminal charges.
The mayor is charged with two counts of felony theft, and two additional counts of misdemeanor theft stemming from the misuse of his county issued purchasing card. He’s also charged with three misdemeanors for tampering with government records and one petty misdemeanor for false swearing.
Kenoi has acknowledged making unauthorized purchases of more than $129,000 for personal purposes… including trips to Honolulu hostess bars. According to the bench warrant, no bail was set and he was released on his own recognizance.
