Harris' appointee charged with campaign violation

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Prosecutors yesterday charged a member of the Honolulu Police Commission with making a donation to Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign committee under a false name.

Leonard Leong, a vice president of Royal Contracting Co., was appointed to the commission by Harris in 1996 and served as its president for four years.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Arraignment is scheduled Sept. 26.

Leong could not be reached for comment, and Harris said he had not been informed of the charge and had no comment.

Leong is the 10th person to be charged in a criminal court since a wide-ranging probe of the mayor's campaign finances began 19 months ago. Six of the 10 were fined after pleading no contest and the others are awaiting trial.

Nearly 20 additional suspects have been arrested and released pending further investigation. Harris' attorney has said the mayor never solicited or knowingly accepted illegal donations.

The Police Commission is composed of seven members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Its duties include the hiring and firing of the chief of police.