Aloha Adventure Camps operator Raymond L. Thomas, who was also known as Llew Lazarus, was ordered to refund more than $46,000 and pay $250,000 in civil penalties to the state, the office said.

The consumer protection office filed a lawsuit last year alleging Thomas committed deceptive business practices in operating the Aloha Adventure Camps in Makawao. The lawsuit said Thomas used a phony insurance certificate while running the camp and failed to refund money to campers after shutting down the outdoor program on July 7.

"We believe the families of campers who lost thousands of dollars due to Mr. Thomas' misconduct deserve proper compensation," said Stephen Levins, executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection.

Aloha Adventure Camps operated on land owned by the Hawaii Girl Scouts, which terminated the camp's lease after learning Thomas didn't have insurance. Thomas left Hawai'i shortly afterward. His whereabouts remain unknown.

"At some point he has to come out from whatever rock he's hiding under," Levins said. "If and when that happens, we'll find him and make him pay the penalties."

Levins said most of the families have received reimbursements totaling about $150,000 through refunds from credit card companies. About 20 others are depending on the judgment to get their money back.

The ruling also prevents Thomas from operating any other businesses in Hawai'i until the campers are repaid.

After the camp closed, it was learned that Thomas had three convictions in California for sexual crimes involving children that occurred between 1988 and 1990. None of the campers, who ranged in age 10 to 17, have alleged any sexual abuse.

But the Girl Scout Council of Hawaii began reviewing the lease for the camp after being told of alleged improper remarks made by Thomas to camp participants, Hawaii Girl Scout Chief Executive Officer Gail Mukaihata Hannemann has said.

Hannemann, wife of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, said Thomas had operated the camp on the Girl Scouts' 15-acre campground for the past three years without incident.

But parents, campers and counselors said the photography and surfing camp, which charged $1,150 per week plus airfare, was poorly run and that they were concerned about safety.

Police had called the Girl Scout Council after receiving complaints alleging improper behavior by Thomas, Hannemann said.

The abrupt closure left families scrambling to change vacation plans and try to get back the thousands of dollars they paid for their children to go to summer camp in upcountry Maui.

"He left all these kids stranded. It's just really outrageous," Levins said. "Parents from all over world entrusted children in his care and not only did he lie about the insurance, he just split."