Commission to increase awareness of, compliance with, and deterrent effects of the laws and rules relating to standards of conduct of public officers and employees

Today, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution (HR) 9, Establishing a Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct (attached). HR 9 was introduced by 45 members of the House of Representatives.

The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct will include seven (7) members:

• Judge Daniel R. Foley (Ret.), who will serve as Chair;

• Robert D. Harris, Executive Director of the State Ethics Commission;

• Kristin E. Izumi-Nitao, Executive Director of the Campaign Spending Commission;

• Sandy Ma, Executive Director of Common Cause Hawaii;

• Barbara C. Marumoto, Former State Representative;

• Janet Mason, League of Women Voters; and

• Florence T. Nakakuni, Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii.

The Commission’s mission is to review and assess existing state laws and rules relating to standards of conduct of public officers and employees; ensure that the laws and rules contain clear standards, enforcement, and penalties; and provide recommendations to increase awareness of, compliance with, and deterrent effects.

The Commission is requested to submit an interim report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, by March 31, 2022. This will enable the 2022 Legislature to adopt proposals. A final report is due by December 1, 2022.

House Resolution 9 is attached.