Big Island judges recuse themselves from Mayor Kenoi’s theft case
DARYL LEE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Hawaii island Mayor Billy Kenoi appeared in Hilo District Court on March 30 to be arraigned on felony theft charges. He was flanked by his wife, Takako Kenoi.
HILO » Several Big Island judges have recused themselves from the trial of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, who is facing theft charges.
Hilo Circuit Court judges Greg Nakamura and Glenn Hera, Kona Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino and 3rd Circuit Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra are among those who filed certificates of recusal Thursday. The judges’ actions have left Kona family Judge Aley Auna Jr., who is on vacation, as the only full-time judge on the island available to hear the case, The Hawaii Tribune Herald reported.
If Auna also recuses himself, then Mark Recktenwald, the state chief justice of the Supreme Court, would appoint a judge from another circuit court, said Ibarra.
The reasons a judge would excuse himself from a case is “an individual thing under the (judicial) rules of conduct,” Ibarra said. The judges’ “impartiality might reasonably be questioned” if they were to handle the case, he said.
Nakamura arraigned Kenoi in court on Wednesday, when the mayor pleaded not guilty to charges of theft, tampering with public records and making a false statement under oath. The charges stem from the alleged misuse of his county-issued credit card from 2011-2015.
Although Kenoi used the card to pay a nearly $900 tab at a Honolulu bar and to buy a surfboard, bicycle and other personal items, those transactions were not part of the indictment.
Kenoi reimbursed the county for $22,292 in personal charges between January 2009 and March 2015. He later paid back an additional $9,500.
The felony theft charges are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Todd Eddins, Kenoi’s attorney, said he had “no comment at this time.”
The Star-Advertiser contributed to this report.
24 responses to “Big Island judges recuse themselves from Mayor Kenoi’s theft case”
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I knew “Ron Ibarra” was too HONEST to handle this case (which tells you any Judge hearing this matter either has “a gun to their head or CORRUPT TOO..).
I just looked again at the Article-Photo! He should be nicknamed “Billy-The-Belly” or “Belly-Billy”! (Prison would be good for him, perhaps he could exercise and diet)
Billy knows he owns Hilo and will win. His arrogance is unbelievable.
The judges are smart to pass jurisdiction off island.
and to see him at the merry monarch, no shame…..but i think he will walk….and probably get fatter….
I too saw him at THE MM outside at the Food-Stalls–shoving Malasadas in his face… Beyond ARROGANCE…
LOL !
Billy is definitely losing the battle with the fork and the plate. Bradda you need to practice the ‘push-away’ from the table.
He probably needs the bike with the JUMBO tires.
Remember his wife is very rich. They live in a big house up in Volcano, an elite neighborhood. No suffering for Billy!
I was just there and there was a lot of volcanic activity and sulfur-dioxide in the air. Also, it was strangely warmer than Hilo-Town and multiple differing wind patterns (although those who live up there say it’s normal). Maybe Billy can claim “Asphyxia” (..”my cognitive and judgmental abilities were impaired..”.)
At least now we know who may have been at Club Evergreen with Billy!
Wait, is this Marcos or Lenoir we are referring to?
Billy no-like Shoes…
The Chief justice needs to get on with it and appoint a judge to do the trial. it would not be appropriate for a Family Court Judge to hear the case.
Wonder why Billy needs two attorneys to represent him and even more important why were some of the illegal purchases he made not listed in the indictment filed by the
Attorney General.
fiveo – I was thinkin the same thing, Why the illegal purchases were NOT listed in the indictment filed. According to the other article some of the illegal charges were paid, so I guess they won’t be considered. It’s only outstanding illegal charges that were filed.
I believe it would be better to appoint a judge, that is impartial/without a conflict of interest, to preside/oversee the case.
A judge from Oahu.
O.K. “yobo”–here’s the Bottom-Line : “The Hawaii Bar Association” is going to protect it’s own–no matter what it takes… This is just a “Charade” being paraded in front of the Voter-Population. You’re suppose to believe that “Justice” is being “Served”. So, Applaud–when you see “The Cue Cards”!
agree
The local judges probably did the right thing. Even though it’s the “Big Island” it’s still a “small town.” It was most likely impossible for them not to have had any dealings with the Mayor over the years and no judge wants a situation in which practically any decision might be overturned on appeal.
If they cannot be fair and impartial they should all resign.
hence there recusal
Wonder if Billy Belly got his wife at a hostess bar too?
Auna is a straight-arrow judge…….if he passes, Billy is smilin’.
Billy has put the, “scared” into Big Island justice. Time to call in Elliot Ness.