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5. NEW BUSINESS <br />a. Review Disclosure of Financial Interest statements: The statements of <br />George Curtis (Board of Appeals) and Paula Helfrich (Board of Water Supply) were <br />reviewed. It was noted that Item No. 4 of Mr. Curtis' form was not checked off. The <br />BOE's secretary was instructed to telephone Mr. Curtis to clarify his answer on that item. <br />Regarding Paula Helfrich's statement, Mr. Joseph moved to accept and file; Mr. Inouye <br />seconded the motion; and all members voted aye to accept and file. Mr. Kawahara <br />indicated that he believed he needed to complete a financial disclosure form and was <br />handed one to do so. <br />b. Discuss revising /simplifying the Disclosure of Financial Interest form: Ms. <br />O'Toole expressed the desire to amend the form to make it simpler and easier for <br />everyone to fill out. She has been in touch with the County Clerk's office and will <br />coordinate with them. The new form should include a section to check off whether <br />member wants the form reviewed in open or closed session. Simplifying the form will <br />also cut back on phone calls from members for explanations as to what the form is <br />requesting. The Chair indicated it would be wise to revise the form to be more simple <br />and comprehensive. He suggested someone move to have Corporation Counsel <br />coordinate efforts with the County Clerk. Mr. Inouye so moved. Mr. Kawahara <br />seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. <br />C. Gift Disclosure Statements of James Arakaki (Council Member), Lincoln <br />Ashida (Corporation Counsel), Stacy Higa (Council Chair), Peter Hoffmann (Council <br />Member), Constance Kirin (County Clerk), K. Angel Pilago (Council Member), and <br />William Smith (Deputy County Clerk). <br />Mr. Joseph pointed out for the record that Mr. Hoffmann is spelled with <br />two "n's" and not one (agenda had incorrect spelling). <br />The Chair noted that Mr. Arakaki's gift disclosure form listed $15,000 <br />worth of donations to his legal defense fund. He questioned whether there is a dollar <br />limit to what can be received. Ms. O'Toole said that as far as she knew, the answer is no. <br />She said that a gift, even if it is five cents, is not supposed to be accepted if it is meant to <br />influence you in your job. However, only gifts worth more than $100 need be reported. <br />Ms. O'Toole explained that the Charter does not allow the Corporation Counsel to defend <br />council members in the impeachment process, which is why Mr. Arakaki had a legal <br />defense fund. <br />The Chair noted that all the gift disclosure forms were reviewed and that all <br />had minor contributions except Mr. Arakaki's. He asked if there was a motion to accept <br />and file. Mr. Kawahara so moved, and Mr. Inouye seconded the motion. The Chair said <br />that he would abstain and called for a vote. The other three members voted aye. <br />2 <br />