HILO » Hawaii County residents will have their chance to comment on an audit of the county’s government credit card program next week.

The audit revealed that the misuse of county credit cards was not widespread, but mainly confined to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office.

The public can testify Tuesday at the County Council Finance Committee chambers in Hilo. Those who want to testify can also do so via videoconference from the West Hawaii Civic Center, Waimea council office, the county facility in Kohala, Naalehu state office building and the Pahoa neighborhood facility.

Finance Chairwoman Karen Eoff said Wednesday that although the report showed that most pCard transactions had been appropriate and in compliance with county and state laws, there is still room for improvement.

"I do agree with the recommendations of the legislative auditor that to make sure all expenditures provide a clear benefit to the county and taxpayers, we should consider adding explicit language to the code to address any gaps in existing policy and to more closely follow state law."

West Hawaii Today first reported a pattern of misuse of the cards by Mayor Billy Kenoi in late March.

The audit found that Mayor Billy Kenoi’s record keeping was inconsistent, with many purchases going without receipts of explanations.

Kenoi has admitted to using the card for big bar tabs and surfboards.

He has paid back more than $31,000 of the almost $130,000 he charged during his tenure.

Council members are currently working on legislation to address the holes in existing policy and ensure that best practices are followed.