Posted at 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Prosecutor to look into Tanonaka campaign complaint
Advertiser Staff
The state Campaign Spending Commission today voted to refer a complaint that Dalton Tanonaka disguised private loans to his 2002 campaign for lieutenant governor to the prosecutor for a criminal investigation.Tanonaka, who is now running for U.S. Congress against U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, was not immediately available for comment. His attorney had asked the commission for more time so Tanonaka could defend himself.
Bob Watada, the commission's executive director, said he believed the Tanonaka loan activity was "intentional, knowing and reckless."
The commission vote was 3-2. Commissioner Steven Olbrich said he was concerned that the referral could have an influence on the November election and that Tanonaka should have an opportunity to explain himself.
