2008-02-13 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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Motion and vote: Ms. Malanka moved to accept and file the above communication. Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. b. Communication No. 2008 -9: January 24, 2008, email from Charles Totto, ethics director and legal counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission, regarding 2008 legislative bills affecting county ethics agencies, including House Bill 660, Senate Bill 2612, and Senate Bill 2937. Motion: Mr. Dill moved to accept and file the communication, and Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion. All members voted aye. Discussion: Mr. Dill said that the transmittal, along with others from Mr. Totto, references a couple of House bills that were in place last year and that there was also a companion bill covering issues relevant to the Board. He said it may be appropriate to offer an opinion and endorsement of two of the bills. The Chair agreed that the Board should write a letter of support for the two bills being introduced. He recommended they endorse House Bill 660 and Senate Bill 2937 and not comment on Senate Bill 2612, and Mr. Dill agreed. Vote: All members voted to accept and file the communication. Motion: Mr. Dill moved to have the Board formulate a letter of endorsement for House Bill 660 and Senate Bill 2937 and the House companion bill, and not comment on Senate Bill 2612. Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Dill asked who they should send the letter to, in addition to Mr. Totto. Mr. Ashida said they needed to identify what committee would be hearing the bills and send it to the chair of that committee. Mr. Ashida said that the Council and the Mayor should be informed, and that it would be wise to keep the County's legislative liaisons apprised so that what is submitted would not be in conflict with something our County has recommended. Mr. Dill pointed out that bills are very time sensitive and that their letter needs to be done as soon as possible. Mr. Ashida said it could be drafted with copies submitted to the Mayor and Council with a note that it would be sent off if they have no problems with it. The Chair asked Mr. Ashida if he would generate the letter, and Mr. Ashida said yes. The Chair said he would be in favor of forwarding the letter to Mr. Totto and as a courtesy copying the Mayor and Council to see if they have an issue with it, without waiting for their feedback. Mr. Ashida said he would draft the letter and hand -carry it to both the Mayor and Council and then send it out. He asked if that would be okay, and the members agreed. K