Kaneshiro commended for
returning campaign funds

By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

The last thing most politicians want is a letter from the state Campaign Spending Commission.

But former Honolulu prosecutor and state Public Safety director Keith Kaneshiro recently got a rare letter of commendation from the body

Kaneshiro had raised $42,000 to run for public office in 1995, but then decided not to seek a third term as prosecutor and later took the public safety position.

Instead of attempting to spend his campaign money, though, Kaneshiro gave it back, according to commission Chairman Duane Black.

"We read so much about candidates that violate the law by using campaign contributions for personal purposes that it's really heartening to hear about the candidates that do the right thing," Black said.

According to state law, Kaneshiro would have had to either return the money to his donors or give it to the commission four years after he collected it.

"What candidates have been trying to do is to use it for personal purposes or mix it in with their surplus funds," said commission Executive Director Robert Watada.

The new campaign spending commission rules allow candidates four years after leaving office to terminate their accounts.

Gov. Ben Cayetano has announced that he will not run for public office after completing his next term in 2002, but he would not have to deal with a campaign surplus until 2006, Watada said.

His news secretary said Cayetano hasn't said what he would do with any campaign surplus he has.

Expenses such as his inaugural ball can't be paid for with campaign money, Watada said.

"In the past candidates like (former Gov. George) Ariyoshi, (former Honolulu Mayor Frank) Fasi and (Senate President Richard) Wong set up nonprofit corporations, but the commission closed that," Watada said.

Candidates who lose and have a surplus can spend the money to hold parties to thank supporters, write Christmas cards and use the money for closing down their campaign.