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Vernon Downs President May Step Down

VERNON, New York – As reported by the Associated Press: "The president of Vernon Downs said he would step aside if his past criminal convictions hurt the racetrack's chances of opening a casino.

"Hoolae Paoa, the president and chief executive officer of Mid-State Raceway, the company that runs Vernon, was convicted of felony theft in Hawaii in 1984. He pleaded guilty to stealing from a management company, in satisfaction of a 27-count indictment obtained by the Times Union of Albany.

"He also pleaded guilty in 1997 to assaulting his wife, and had been convicted of abusing her in 1992 before they were married, according to the Post-Standard of Syracuse.

"…Paoa, 53, told the Syracuse newspaper that he disclosed those convictions last year to the state Racing and Wagering Board, which gave him a temporary license.

"…If his past is an obstacle to getting that license, Paoa said, he will resign…"

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