HONOLULU ARCHITECT PLEADS NO CONTEST TO TAX CHARGES

Tax Director Marie Okamura announced that Honolulu architect, James A. Schmit has pled "no contest" to not filing his general excise tax returns for the years 1996, 1997, and 1998.

In a plea agreement, District Court Judge Michael A. Marn accepted Mr. Schmit's "no contest" plea and granted him a Deferred Acceptance of the No Contest Plea.  In accordance with the plea, Mr. Schmit was fined $1,500 a count ofr three counts for a total fine of $4,500.  Mr. Schmit's cooperation in the investigation did have an impact in the plea agreement and sentencing.

Tax Director Okamura continues to encourage taxpayers to voluntarily file their tax returns.  The department will generally not initiate a criminal investigation when taxpayers voluntarily come forward to report their failure to file or other omissions.