UPDATED Hawaii’s Office of the Attorney General said Tuesday that it is formally investigating Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of his county-issued purchasing card, or pCard.

The request to the AG came from Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth. His letter to the AG is reproduced below.

“In discussions with the county prosecutor and Hawaii County Police Chief (Harry) Kubojiri, we have concluded an independent investigation may guard against an appearance of conflict under these circumstances,” Attorney General Doug Chin said in a press release. “I appreciate Prosecutor Roth and Chief Kubojiri for their cooperation and support of the law enforcement community.”

Doug Chin at a Civil beat editorial board meeting when he was Honoulu’s managing director.

Dan Zelikman/Civil Beat

According to the AG’s office, “Facts learned during the course of the investigation will determine whether the attorney general’s office pursues or recommends criminal charges, administrative discipline or no further action. Mayor Kenoi has not been charged with a crime. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of a violation of law.”

West Hawaii Today first broke the story of Kenoi’s use of his pCard to pay for charges run up at Honolulu hostess bars and other expenses. The cards are supposed to be used for official business only.

Kenoi has paid back the personal expenses, but in some cases he did not do so until the press reported the indiscretions. Subsequent media reports have revealed other questionable actions, such as Kenoi’s failure to disclose several thousand dollars in gifts.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Kenoi said:

“I respect the decision by the Department of the Attorney General, and will cooperate fully as the process unfolds. I remain committed to the people of Hawaii Island and to my responsibilities as Mayor. I deeply regret the pain that this investigation will cause to my family and to the fine people of our community. I do not anticipate making further public statements regarding this matter. Thank you.”

 Listen to Pod Squad: Why Hawaii Mayor Billy Kenoi Should Resign.