Fired Exec Resigns from Hawaii’s State Commission

April 25, 2005

A Bank of Hawaii insurance executive who was fired for cheating has resigned from the state Judicial Selection Commission.

Wes Imamura has notified Senate President Robert Bunda of his decision to step down. He was appointed to the commission by Bunda on March 10.

On March 31, Bank of Hawaii dismissed 11 of the 27 employees in its insurance services unit, including Imamura, president of the subsidiary. The 11 were dismissed for faking attendance in mandatory continuing education courses.

The Hawaii Insurance Division is expected to impose sanctions against the 11 fired employees for submitting false information to the state.

The offenders face possible fines of up to $10,000 each, have their licenses revoked, or both.

Insurance Commissioner J. P. Schmidt said the seriousness of the sanctions will depend on the facts and any mitigating circumstances.

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