HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle's Chief of Staff Bob Awana resigned suddenly Thursday afternoon.

KITV's Daryl Huff reported that Lingle regretfully announced the immediate resignation of Awana Friday morning.

Except for saying it was in everyone's best interest that Awana leave, Lingle did not give a reason as to why Awana resigned.

Awana claimed he was being blackmailed by Rajdatta Patkar, who sources reported got a hold of e-mails between Awana and a young Filipino woman who claimed on the Internet to be 18.

Sources said the e-mails included Awana's efforts to have the woman introduce other women to prominent men who would travel with the governor to the Philippines.

Huff reported that it was not clear if that was the entire reason for Awana's abrupt resignation. The way he wielded his power has offended many people in the governor's own party, Huff reported.

"If there is anybody that believes in karma or bachi, it would be some of the very good people who lost positions or were treated unfairly and unseemingly by him," state Sen. Sam Slom said. "They didn't fit the litmus test for loyalty that Bob Awana had established."

Awana has denied any wrongdoing but was unavailable for comment Friday. The man accused of blackmailing him is scheduled to plead guilty next week.