Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission

The Commission enforces the State Ethics Code (HRS chapter 84) and the State Lobbyist Law (HRS chapter 97). Our jurisdiction is limited to state elected officials, state employees, members of state boards and commissions, and lobbyists and organizations that lobby at the state level. Types of issues we handle include:  gifts & gift reporting, use ...
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Lobbyists and lobbying organizations cannot give gifts to legislators or their staff if those gifts could reasonably be seen as influencing or rewarding official action, such as expensive meals, trips, and invitations to social/entertainment functions. (There are very limited exceptions). Lobbyists cannot make campaign contributions to elected officials, candidates, or candidate committees while the legislature ...
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Individuals paid to lobby at the state level must register with the Commission and report lobbying expenses if they meet certain lobbying activity thresholds. “Lobbying” includes communicating with legislators or staff on legislative matters, or communicating with agency officials on state administrative rules. Lobbying also includes “grassroots lobbying” when people are asked to contact their ...
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Former state officials are barred from using or disclosing confidential information obtained during state service. For one year after leaving state service, they are also prohibited from directly representing new employers or clients before their former agency or on matters they worked before while in state service (subject to certain exceptions). Former elected officials and ...
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State elected officials, state board and commission members, candidates for state office, and certain state employees are required to file financial disclosures and report their interests such as income, business holdings, loans, real property, and fiduciary roles in private entities within thirty days of being elected or appointed to their state position.

State agencies must provide public notice before entering into a non-bid contract over $10,000 with a legislator, state employee, or a business in which a legislator or state employee owns or controls. Agencies are also prohibited from contracting with any business that is personally represented or assisted by someone who worked for that agency within ...
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State employees and board members are prohibited from: (1) taking official action that affects their own financial interests; (2) acquiring new financial interests that may conflict with their state duties; and (3) assisting or representing others for pay on matters before their own agency, or in matters they handled in their state role.

State officials cannot participate in employment or procurement matters involving relatives or household members unless a good cause waiver is granted. This law applies to all state officials except those in the legislative and judicial branches.

State officials cannot use or attempt to use their state position or authority to obtain or give unwarranted privileges or benefits to themselves or others. The law also prohibits state officials from getting outside employment or contracts through their state position; obtaining double compensation for state duties (except as permitted by law); using state resources ...
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State officials cannot disclose any confidential information which by law or practice is not available to the public. In addition, they cannot use confidential information for their personal gain or for the benefit of others.