Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste has agreed to pay a $6,000 fine for making excess contributions to community organizations in violation of state campaign spending law.

The state Campaign Spending Commission found that Baptiste and Friends of Bryan Baptiste, his campaign committee, made more than $17,225 in excess contributions to community groups between November 2002 and November 2006.

Baptiste also made seven improper contributions to community groups between the time he filed nomination papers and won re-election last year.

Politicians can give campaign money as donations to community groups but the amount cannot be more than the maximum amount an individual or other entity can give to candidates. In mayoral elections, the contribution limit is $4,000. Candidates also are not allowed to give community groups money during their election campaigns to prevent the perception of buying community support or votes.

The commission is becoming more vigilant about enforcing the law and Barbara Wong, its executive director, warned politicians that fines will increase significantly.

Last month, the commission agreed to a $950 fine against state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, McCully), for excess contributions to community groups, which was thought to be the first since new contribution limits were set in 2000. Taniguchi's campaign treasurer said the violation was inadvertent.

"We want to put candidates on notice that they have to be cognizant of the contribution limits on community organizations," Wong said yesterday.

Baptiste, in a statement, took responsibility.

"It recently came to my attention that we have given too much to nonprofit and community organizations," he said. "My philosophy has always been community first, and I've always tried to support community to the fullest extent possible.

"Seemingly, this time, we weren't properly tracking what was given to them. I take full responsibility for this happening. I apologize and I am cooperating with the Campaign Spending Commission on this matter to resolve it as quickly as possible."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.