The state securities commissioner has issued a preliminary cease and desist order against Theodore T. Chinen and his companies, Teddy Tanaka Associates Inc. and Trinity National LLC, for allegedly defrauding investors in a high-yield investment scheme.

Commissioner Tung Chan alleges that Chinen and the companies netted at least $130,000 from investors by promising returns of 1,000 percent to 4,000 percent on their investments.

Chinen and the companies are charged with failing to register the investments as securities, attempting to defraud investors, misrepresenting the returns and risks of the investment and failing to disclose material information, in violation of the state securities registration and antifraud provisions.

The order asks for permanent injunctions against future securities activities, rescission, restitution and administrative penalties of $25,000.

Hawai'i residents who have been contacted by, who have invested with, or who have any information regarding Chinen or the companies are urged to contact the Securities Enforcement Branch of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs:

• O'ahu, 586-2740

• Kaua'i, 808-274-3141, followed by 62744 and the # sign.

• Maui, 808-984-2400, followed by 62744 and the # sign

• Big Island, 808-974-4000, followed by 62744 and the # sign.

• Moloka'i and Lana'i, 800-468-4644, followed by 62744 and the # sign

• e-mail, seb@dcca.hawaii.gov