HONOLULU (AP) — The president and CEO of Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is resigning amid a state investigation into whether he illegally gave himself a loan of more than $14,000.
HONOLULU (AP) — The president and CEO of Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is resigning amid a state investigation into whether he illegally gave himself a loan of more than $14,000.
The museum’s board of directors announced Friday that Blair Collis, who first joined the museum in 2003, will officially step down May 6.
“I am leaving to pursue new opportunities knowing the museum is in strong and capable hands. I wish the very best to the board of directors and staff of this amazing institution,” said Collis.
His resignation comes as the state looks into the $14,000 loan that showed up on the museum’s 2013 tax return, KHON-TV reported.
State law prohibits nonprofits from making loans to their directors or officers. The state attorney general has asked the museum and Collis to provide a written agreement regarding the loan and copies of the board minutes from when the loan was discussed.
The board and Collis declined to comment on the case.
Critics have said the incident shows the lack of oversight by board members over the last few years.
“They’ve been there forever, so clearly they’re not getting the job done,” said Maile Meyer, a former Bishop Museum employee.
The board has appointed LindaLee Kuuleilani “Cissy” Farm as interim president and CEO and plans to launch a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.