A Southern California nonprofit that operates domestic violence shelters and homelessness programmes paid its chief executive more than $1.6 million over the last two years covered by its public tax filings. The unusually large compensation has drawn questions from nonprofit experts because the CEO, Carol Adelkoff, has maintained a primary residence in Hawaii while leading the Los Angeles-based organisation, according to a report by LA Times.

As California spends billions on homelessness, questions are rising about whether enough oversight ensures funds help those in need.

Although the organization manages roughly 16 crisis facilities across Los Angeles and Orange counties, its top executive has lived primarily on the Big Island of Hawaii for at…