Handout-01-31-20 Corporation Counsel Numbered Memorandum 2020-01

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• "Walk-throughs" include the giving out of buttons, pens, or other paraphernalia or items that carry a campaign message. In other words, even though a candidate does not physically walk through a County facility, the distribution of the above items on County premises is strictly prohibited. • County email accounts must not be used for political campaign purposes. This includes the generation and receipt of email messages that are for political campaign purposes, and not an official County purpose. • County internet services must not be used for political campaign purposes. This means County computers must not be used for accessing political campaign websites or for any purpose not consistent with an official County purpose. • Any type of political campaign fundraising activity on County premises, or using County time or resources for a political fundraising activity, is strictly prohibited. 'This means the sale and/or distribution of political campaign fundraiser tickets on County premises. This also includes the use of County resources (using a County telephone to call in a headcount order to a caterer for an upcoming political fundraiser, etc.). • "Fundraising" also includes the distribution of "complimentary" or free political campaign fundraiser tickets. • County officials and employees may be asked to endorse political candidates. The person must not create the impression that the County or any County agency is endorsing a particular candidate. Said County employee must make clear that they are speaking in their individual capacity. • The County Seal generally may not be used on any campaign materials, as it gives the impression that the County is endorsing a particular political candidate. Use of the County Seal in any advertisement or in any manner likely to give the impression of official County approval is a misdemeanor. See Hawaii County Code, Section 2-155(a). If you witness any violation of the above, you are encouraged to report it to your supervisor immediately. All department and agency heads are charged with the responsibility of taking appropriate action upon conducting a proper investigation. Any aggrieved party may also file a petition with the Hawaii County Board of Ethics. Please contact our office if you would like a copy of a petition and filing instructions. If you have any questions, you are invited to contact our office at (808) 961-8251, or via email at Corp.counsel(a)-hawaiicounty.gov. This does not include activity transpiring at County premises that are available for rent to the general public, during the date and time when the premises are being utilized for a political campaign -related event. See §11-354(b), Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, provides that "[g]overnment facilities that permit use for political activities shall be available to a candidate, candidate committee or non -candidate committee for fundraising activities pursuant to the same terms and conditions that would otherwise apply to use by non-governmental organizations."