NEW AND RETURNING COMMISSIONERS

Welcome to Katy Y. Chen, Esq.!  On January 25, 2012, Ms. Chen was confirmed by City Council to serve as a member of the Honolulu Ethics Commission.

Welcome back to Stephen A. Silva!  On January 25, 2012 Mr. Silva was confirmed by City Council to serve a second term as a member of the Honolulu Ethics Commission.

UPDATES ON ETHICS LEGISLATION

On January 25, 2012, City Council passed Bill 10 (2011), CD2.  Bill 10 was originally introduced in February 2011, and is the first step to updating the laws and rules that govern the way the Commission processes its cases, how it responds to requests for advice and investigates complaints. Bill 10 does the following:

(1) Clarifies that information obtained by the Commission will continue to be kept confidential unless there is a need and lawful exception allowing disclosure. This is important to protect the interests of those who request advice, as well as witnesses and subjects of investigations. 

(2) Streamlines the use of Commission subpoenas resulting in shorter investigation time. As the Commission's workload increases, it is important that the Commission be able to promptly obtain information. 

(3) Conforms the ordinance to RCH Sec. 11-107, which authorizes the Commission to conduct investigations and render advisory opinions on its own initiative — including any credible information from any source.

RECENT PRESS RELEASES

Honolulu Ethics Commission Determines Gifts To City May Not Be Used For Mayor's Wife's China Travel (Feb. 9, 2012)

City Special Events Coordinator Resigns After Honolulu Ethics Commission Investigates Multiple Counts of Alleged Misconduct (Dec. 30, 2011)