HONOLULU -- State lawmakers will meet later this week to review a recent audit of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

They'll also investigate Gov. Linda Lingle's trip to Japan with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau that included a KITV 4 News reporter and photographer.

The audit charges HVCB spent thousands of dollars in state funds for inappropriate or questionable expenses.

When KITV 4 News originally considered going with Lingle, it was understood expenses would be paid for by HVCB. The station agreed, knowing this would not compromise the coverage of this visit and that KITV would inform viewers of this arrangement.

"KITV's integrity is everything. It's the most important thing a news organization must protect. Therefore, to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest, KITV 4 News will reimburse HVCB for the travel and lodging costs," News director Tod Pritchard said.

Pritchard said KITV intends to cover the story, not to be a part of the story.

In a statement from the governor's office, officials said criticism aimed at KITV 4's inclusion in the trip to Japan is an attempt to distract the public from the governor's efforts to promote tourism.