Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission

Instructions: Your complaint is important to us. Please read and follow the instructions carefully, completing each step so the Commission can thoroughly review and investigate the matter.

Who can we investigate? Our authority is limited to:

• State elected officials
• State employees
• Members of state boards & commissions
• Lobbyists and organizations that lobby at the state level

We are unable to investigate complaints against county or federal officials, judges, and complaints against private individuals and businesses such as:

• City or County government officials (contact the Honolulu Ethics Commission or the corresponding ethics board for the County of Maui, County of Hawaiʻi, or County of Kauaʻi) 
• Private business disputes
• Landlord/tenant issues
• Complaints against judges and private practice attorneys
• Unfair trade practices and consumer fraud complaints
• Complaints against private medical doctors and health care providers
• Civil rights and police misconduct claims
• Employment-related claims (such as general harassment, discrimination, etc.)

Please see Related Resources for agencies that can be of assistance.

Acknowledgement

I understand and acknowledge:

• Further investigation may be required to substantiate my complaint, and that lack of information or cooperation may limit the Commission’s ability to investigate the alleged violations.
• Knowingly filing false charges is a crime under HRS §710-1060.
• All complaints and investigations are kept confidential. However, if the case goes to a formal hearing, such as an evidentiary or contested case, certain details may become public under applicable laws and legal process.
• Anonymous complaints may hinder the Commission's ability to investigate the matter. Without sufficient contact information or evidence, the Commission may not be able to verify the allegations and proceed with its investigation.

Who is your complaint about? Provide information about the person or entity who allegedly violated the State Ethics Code or the State Lobbyist Law

Possible Jurisdiction Issue

Mahalo for contacting the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. Based on the information provided, this concern may fall outside our jurisdiction. The Commission generally handles matters involving state elected officials, state employees, state board and commission members, and state-level lobbyists. We do not handle complaints involving county or federal employees, private businesses, or individuals who do not have a state role or function. You may still submit this form so we can review the information and track the concern. Related Resources are available if you would like to explore other options.

What is the nature of your complaint?

Possible types of violations (Click for more information)

Supporting Evidence

Identify any individuals who may have relevant knowledge regarding the alleged incident or event. Please also submit specific evidence that directly supports your complaint

Tell us about yourself

Please provide your contact information. You may enter an alias name and email address if you wish to remain anonymous. Note: Insufficient contact information may limit the Commission's ability to verify the allegations and proceed with its investigation.

Verification

I certify, under the penalty of law, that the information I am submitting in this form is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I understand that there are statutory penalties for filing a false complaint or charge under Hawaiʻi law.