***DRAFT Short Version Statutes FAQs DRAFT***
General Advisory
This summary provides a general overview of Hawaiʻi’s ethics and lobbying laws under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapters 84 and 97. These laws apply to state officials and state employees, and to lobbyists who seek to influence state government action.
This document is for informational purposes only. It does not cover every situation or exception and is not legal advice. Whether a violation has occurred depends on the specific facts and is determined by the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission.
Overview of the Law
HRS Chapter 84 — Standards of Conduct (Ethics Code)
Applies to state officers and state employees, including members of state boards and commissions.
Limits when state officials and state employees may solicit or accept gifts connected to their state position, particularly gifts intended to influence or reward official state action
Requires certain state officials and state employees to publicly disclose specified gifts above statutory thresholds
Prohibits the use or disclosure of non-public information obtained through state service for private benefit
Requires state authority to be exercised impartially and prohibits granting unwarranted privileges or advantages
Restricts participation in state employment decisions involving relatives or household members, unless an approved exception applies
Requires state officials and state employees to refrain from official state action that directly affects their own substantial financial interests or those of certain family members
Limits when the State may enter into contracts involving state officials, state employees, or businesses in which they or their family members have a financial interest
Requires certain state officials and state employees to file financial disclosure statements
Restricts certain activities of former state officials and state employees after leaving state service
HRS Chapter 97 — Lobbyists
Applies to individuals and organizations engaged in lobbying to influence state legislative or state administrative action.
Requires individuals who are paid to influence state legislative or administrative action to register as lobbyists
Requires lobbyists and lobbying organizations to file reports disclosing lobbying-related contributions and expenditures
Governs how lobbying reports must be filed and made available as public records
Prohibits certain lobbying activities, including prohibited gifts and campaign contributions during restricted periods