AG takes a look at Billy Kenoi

It’s good to hear that the state Attorney General’s Office will investigate Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of his county-issued purchasing card.

It’s about time. Most Hawaii County public officials have been circumspect or silent since news first broke of Kenoi’s lavish and flagrantly inappropriate spending of taxpayer funds. Since then, Kenoi has paid back more than $30,000 of the $129,580 he spend using his pCard, including nearly $900 spent at a hostess bar.

Kenoi initially claimed he thought it was OK to use his pCard for personal expenses as long as he paid back the money. Given that Kenoi signed a user agreement saying he understood the rules; that he was repeatedly warned that he was misusing the card; that the rules are reasonably clear; and that Kenoi is a savvy lawyer, it’s no wonder he hired three other lawyers to defend himself.

The AG will need to be aggressive in making sure justice is served.

Today’s the day to file tax forms

Where did the time go?

One-quarter of the year is gone, which means that yes, today — April 15 — is the federal tax filing deadline for year 2014. Last-minute filers should know that 26 post offices statewide will have mail drops or slots offering special collection up until midnight; these will be labeled with bright orange signs indicating Tax Mail Drop — Final Pick-Up Midnight. And while all post offices will close at their regular times today, the Airport Post Office will be open till 8 p.m.

Last thing, procrastinators: Circle April 20 — that’s the state tax deadline.