Patrick K. Wong, 53, the head of Maui County’s Department of the Corporation Counsel, was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Saturday at a residence in Wailuku, according to a county news release.

Wong has been charged with abuse of a household member, a misdemeanor, according to county spokesman Chris Sugidono.

He posted the $1,000 bail amount and was freed, according to Maui police Lt. Gregg Okamoto on Saturday night. The case now goes to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for further review.

Wong was placed on administrative leave today, the news release said.

“We are still investigating this matter as we speak, however, any domestic abuse is completely unacceptable,” Mayor Michael Victorino said in the news release Saturday night. “I do not tolerate abuse or harmful behavior from anyone. We are handling this alleged incident as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”

Sugidono said he couldn’t confirm who would lead the department in Wong’s absence. Edward Kushi is the department’s first deputy.

Wong’s arrest comes on the heels of a difficult council confirmation process.

A Maui County Council committee voted against recommending Wong for the post in a tight 5-4 vote on Feb. 5. He was later confirmed Feb. 22 by the full County Council, 5-4, when Council Member Tasha Kama switched her vote.

During the confirmation hearing, a council aide said Wong swore and intimidated her during a meeting.

“I do know that I have been defensive and aggressive when my personal integrity is challenged,” Wong said at the hearing in early February in response. “And when someone comes at me and is hostile towards me, I think I have every right to defend myself and my integrity. In that specific circumstance, I was being accused of being on the take and in the back pocket of the developer. I take serious affront to that.”

Wong was a holdover from Mayor Alan Arakawa’s administration, serving as Corporation Counsel during his two terms.