REP GOEAC 034 2025-04-01 2024-2026

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GOEAC-34 Page 2 April 1, 2025 Director Patel said that there are separate sections of the code that address conflicts of interest and contracts. He further recommended that the drafted language should be submitted to the Board of Ethics for their input at some point, as they are one of the bodies that are tasked with interpreting the code regarding conflicts of interest. Deputy Director Patel also stated that some of the questions related to procurement and that Finance may need to be consulted. Member Kimball mentioned that regarding it being retroactive, this is already State law, except for the expansion of the additional degree of familial relationship. Committee Member James Hustace asked why this legislation is increasing beyond the State's second degree of consanguinity. Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi mentioned that in talking with Corporation Counsel, he believed that a first cousin and second cousin can potentially be as close to their family members, and neither should be directly supervised by an immediate family member. Member Hustace said he agrees with the intent but is concerned about hindering hiring practices due to the low employment rate across the County by including the third degree of relationship. Committee Member Holeka Inaba agreed with Member Hustace on that point regarding recruitment and said that he preferred the language in Hawaii Revised Statutes. Member Onishi clarified that this legislation will not prohibit family members from being hired; it is to discourage immediate family members from directly managing, supervising, or promoting their direct family members. Member Inaba asked if the familial relationship language regarding Section 3(1)(B) was referring to the first cousin or second cousin. Member Kimball said it was supposed to be referring to the second cousin, and she would work on an amendment to provide clarity. Member Inaba said to make certain the language is clear that the bill should be sent to the Board of Ethics for their review before moving it forward. Member Kimball made a motion that the bill be sent to the Board of Ethics for review. Member Inaba seconded the motion. Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto said that the next meeting of the Board of Ethics would be the second Wednesday of the month. There was some additional discussion of timeline and procedural considerations. Assistant Corporation Counsel Yoshimoto said the Board of Ethics should be able to get this bill on their agenda for discussion at their February 13th meeting. He also recommended that if Committee Members had further changes, that they should make those edits before referring the bill to the Board of Ethics. Member Kimball withdrew the motion to refer the bill so that discussion could continue. Member Kimball mentioned that, as suggested by Member Inaba, she would be including the definition of immediate family from the Hawaii Revised Statutes in the packet they would be sending to the Board of Ethics for their consideration. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked that Deputy Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong and someone from purchasing be available for questions at the next discussion. Clerk Jon Henricks added that nothing would stop the bill from continuing to be worked on in Committee or be advanced to Council while simultaneously being referred to the Board of Ethics. GOEAC Report No. 34