HR 65: Urging the ethics commission of each county to adopt standards similar to that applicable to state elected officials and officers as adopted and enforced by the state ethics commission.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Urging the ethics commission of each county to adopt standards similar to that applicable to state elected officials and officers as adopted and enforced by the state ethics commission.

     WHEREAS, the primary purpose of governmental ethics laws is to improve honesty and integrity in government; and

     WHEREAS, public service is a public trust and those entrusted with the power of office must first and foremost commit steadfastly to upholding the rule of law and must never presume that they are above its letter and spirit; and

     WHEREAS, the perception of integrity in government is no less important than the reality of integrity in government, as regardless of how honest public officials are in fact, a democratic system of government cannot function properly if the public believes its officials are corrupt; and

     WHEREAS, further efforts are necessary for elected officials and officers to restore trust in county governments; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the ethics commission of each county are urged to adopt standards similar to that applicable to state elected officials and officers as adopted and enforced by the State Ethics Commission; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the mayor of each county, chairperson of each county council, and chairperson of the ethics commission of each county.

Report Title:

County Ethics Commissions; County Elected Officials and Officers

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1844

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 65

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 65 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE ETHICS COMMISSION OF EACH COUNTY TO ADOPT STANDARDS SIMILAR TO THAT APPLICABLE TO STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OFFICERS AS ADOPTED AND ENFORCED BY THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is that the ethics commission of each county are urged to adopt standards that are applicable to state elected officials and officers as adopted and enforced by the State Ethics Commission.

Your committee received testimony in support for this measure from two individuals.  

Your Committee finds that adopting standards similar to those enforced by the State Ethics Commission will promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct at the county level. Ensuring consistent ethical guidelines across state and county levels strengthens public trust and fosters responsible governance by elected officials and officers.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 65 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,