The Department of Taxation (DOTAX) has placed a number of its employees on administrative leave without pay after an audit uncovered internal security breaches.

According to a Hawaii News Now report, during the audit, DOTAX uncovered incidents of internal security breaches of the Department's computer tax database that have occurred as far back as 2008.

In a news release, DOTAX says the incidents were immediately referred to the Department of the Attorney General for review and investigation.

"Protecting the integrity of tax records is a serious matter," said Tax Director Fred Pablo. "The possibility of wrongful actions are extremely disturbing, which is why these matters were immediately reported to the Attorney General."