Big Isle official reassigned pending trial

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island Deputy County Clerk Jay Mende is being reassigned to new duties pending the outcome of the criminal case against him for allegedly making illegal contributions to the campaign of Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris.

Mende will continue with his current salary and will retain the title of deputy county clerk, said Big Island County Clerk Al Konishi.

Mende was appointed deputy county clerk last summer, a job that put him in charge of five employees and gave him responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the county elections staff.

Last month Mende was indicted by an O'ahu grand jury on two misdemeanor charges alleging he donated money to Harris under a false name, and exceeded the $4,000 campaign contribution limit.

If convicted, Mende faces up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for each count.

Konishi said yesterday that Mende will move into the County Council offices to work with the Legislative Auditor's staff. The auditor is the research arm of the council.

"He won't be working on election-related matters pending completion of the judicial process," Konishi said. "Although I believe in the presumption of innocence, I understand that we do need to eliminate even the appearance of any kind of impropriety."

Konishi, who is chief elections officer for the county, said the allegations date back to a time before Mende became deputy clerk. Konishi said he considers Mende a conscientious worker, and said the charges do not involve any activity on public time.

"One thing I hope the public understands is my action in no way is an indication of my feelings about the outcome of the matter before the court," Konishi said.

Konishi said Mende's move will be completed as soon as the county can arrange for the logistics of moving and changing telephone and computer connections.

Mende was unavailable for comment.

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.