1. The attorney general shall, at the request of the commissioner, or may, on his own initiative, seek equitable relief to restrain any violation or threatened violation of article twenty-two of this chapter.

2. The attorney general shall, at the request of the commissioner, or may, on his own initiative, commence a civil action to recover damages, including punitive damages, for any willful, reckless or negligent violation of the provisions of such article suffered by reason of a violation thereof. The costs including but not limited to filing fees and costs for expert witnesses incurred by the attorney general in prosecuting any such action shall be assessed against any person who violates such provisions.