Malama Solomon has agreed to pay a $12,000 fine for accepting an excess contribution, failing to report loans and filing a late campaign-spending report in relation to her unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor last year.

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted 4-0 yesterday to accept the settlement.

Solomon, a former Big Island state senator, had said the loans were from her family.

Barbara Wong, commission executive director, said it appeared Solomon's campaign was often scrambling and was unfamiliar with reporting requirements. Wong said Solomon would pay the fine with personal money instead of campaign funds.

Commissioner Gino Gabrio said it was "abominable" that Solomon would run for such a high office without having a campaign treasurer or without knowing or following the state's campaign finance law. Solomon had previously paid fines for filing late reports.

Solomon was the running mate of former Mililani state Sen. Randall Iwase, both Democrats. The pair lost to Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, both Republicans, in November.