Politics Over for Kenoi in 2016
Amid continued turmoil surrounding county p-card spending, Mayor Billy Kenoi has decided not to pursue public office after his final term as Hawai’i County’s mayor expires in 2016.
A spokesman says Mayor Kenoi is not looking to run for public office after his mayoral term expires, and is focused on continuing to serve his community.
“Mayor Kenoi is focused on the job he was elected to do and does not plan on running for any other office. He is shutting down his campaign organization,” spokesman Peter Boylan told Big Island Now.
Per County policy, Mayor Kenoi cannot serve another consecutive four-year term as mayor. He won re-election in 2012, defeating former Mayor Harry Kim. Many have previously speculated that Mayor Kenoi would try his hand at a higher office position, such as governor.
Mayor Kenoi is currently under investigation by State Attorney General Douglas Chin for his questionable p-card spending. In addition, the Hawai’i County Board of Ethics will meet next Wednesday to determine if it will follow-up with its own investigation following an ethics complaint filed in April.
No charges have been filed against Mayor Kenoi.