Hawaii Ethics Commission members on Wednesday unanimously denied former Ethics Director Dan Mollway’s request for them to fire Les Kondo, the current director.

Mollway sent the commission a nine-page letter March 27 detailing the reasons he thinks Kondo is unfit for the job. He is particularly concerned that Kondo has alleged certain task force members have committed ethics violations without the commission first finding them guilty.

Kondo said the more times he reads Mollway’s letter, the more frustrated he becomes.

“He’s made some very serious accusations. He’s asked for some very serious action by the commission,” Kondo said. “I’m frustrated and disappointed he makes these allegations but doesn’t have the courage to come to the meeting.”

Mollway said last week that he didn’t plan to attend the meeting. He reiterated Wednesday that he still believes his letter speaks for itself.

Kondo said policies have changed since Mollway’s departure, and he should have just called to discuss his concern.

Ethics Chair Maria Sullivan said she believes Kondo is doing an “excellent job.” She said he has the confidence and support of the commission and its staff.

Her fellow commissioners agreed. Cassandra Leolani Abdul, Edward Broglio and Susan DeGuzman all backed Kondo.

The five-member commission still has one vacancy. The Judicial Council announced Wednesday that it was extending the deadline in its search to find qualified applicants.

— Nathan Eagle