A former Honolulu city employee has been charged in an alleged fraud scheme that prosecutors say caused the Hawaiʻi Foodbank to spend about $800,000 on food for Oʻahu residents without ever being reimbursed.
Dexter Kishida was charged with first-degree theft, second-degree forgery, and official misconduct, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General.
Kishida previously worked as the Food Security and Sustainability Program Manager for the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization.
The felony information alleges that between December 2021 and August 2023, Kishida represented to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank that CARES Act funding was available and persuaded the organization to buy and distribute food for Oʻahu residents.
The Foodbank Was Told Reimbursement Was Coming
The food was actually purchased and distributed, according to prosecutors. The problem, the state alleges, was the funding trail behind it.
The Attorney General’s office said the Hawaiʻi Foodbank spent approximately $800,000 after being told reimbursement funding was available. Prosecutors allege the organization was never reimbursed for those expenditures.
Hawaiʻi Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller told Hawaii News Now that the organization acted in good faith during a period of significant community need.
“The food was purchased and distributed to help families facing food insecurity based on representations that funding had been authorized and would be reimbursed,” Miller said in the statement reported by the station.
Prosecutors Say Emails And A Purchase Order Were Fabricated
The charges go beyond a dispute over whether public money was available. Prosecutors allege Kishida created or altered a City and County purchase order and fabricated emails to make it appear that reimbursement was being processed.
The Attorney General’s office said Kishida allegedly knew there was no authorized contract or funding for the project.
The Charges Carry Possible Prison Time
Attorney General Anne Lopez said public officials who allegedly misuse their positions and provide false information that causes significant financial harm must be investigated and held accountable through the criminal justice system.
First-degree theft is a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Second-degree forgery and official misconduct are class C felonies, each punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Hawaii News Now reported that Kishida’s bail was set at $15,000. His arraignment is scheduled for June 29 at 8:30 a.m. in First Circuit Court.
The case is being prosecuted as State v. Dexter Kishida. Kishida is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.