HILO >> Several Hawaii island judges have recused themselves from the trial of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, who has been charged with theft.

The Hawaii Tribune Herald reported Saturday that Hilo Circuit Judges Greg Nakamura and Glenn Hara as well as Kona Circuit Judge Melvin Fujino are among those who filed certificates of recusal Thursday. The judges’ actions have left Kona Family Court Judge Aley Auna Jr., who is on vacation, as the only full-time judge on the island available to hear the case.

If Auna also recuses himself, then the state chief justice would appoint a judge from another circuit.

Kenoi pleaded not guilty Wednesday to theft, tampering with public records and making a false statement under oath. The charges stem from the alleged misuse of his county-issued purchasing card.

As more people move to Kauai, need for living quarters rises

LIHUE >> New census numbers show that Kauai’s population is growing, and those familiar with the real estate market say the growth has led to a property shortage on the island.

The U.S. Census Bureau data say Kauai saw a 1.5 percent increase in population between 2014 and 2015. The island grew from 70,762 residents to 71,735 last year.

Kelly Libertore with Coldwell Banker Makai Properties said newcomers are having difficulties finding housing, and many people are choosing to room with friends until they can find somewhere to live, The Garden Island reported Thursday.

“There is definitely a problem,” she said. “There is pressure. We’re hearing things like, ‘Can you help my friend find a rental?’ They will take anything from the Westside from Lihue. You find a lot of people that share housing or they share with a friend. ‘You can stay with me.’ Eventually something will be open.”

Phil Fudge, a real estate agent with Kauai Landmark, said he has vacancies to offer up but that there’s “turnover all the time.”

Kauai’s population growth doesn’t come as a surprise, Fudge said, considering how many people are moving to the island and looking for rentals.

“People come here first as visitors,” he said. “They come here and think, ‘Oh, my gosh. This might be a great place to stay or visit.’ Then they get a condo and decide they may come back and retire here.”