2008-12-10 Board of Ethics Minutes

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HEELY: I'll be drafting one for your review prior to your next meeting. CHAIR: Yes, that's how we —thank you. Thank you very much. HEELY.• Thank you. b. Review of Gifts Disclosure Statement received from Councilmember Bob Jacobson and dated 11/12/08. The Board reviewed and initialed Mr. Jacobson's disclosure. Motion and vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to accept and file the disclosure, Ms. Gentry seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Discussion on amending the Board's Rules of Practice and Procedure regarding the imposition of administrative fines pursuant to Ordinance 08 -57. Ms. Schoen had the Board review a draft of a proposed amendment to Rule 7 of the Board's rules, numbered Rule 7.3. It included the definition of "County officer," which was also included in the ordinance. The Board approved of Ms. Schoen's draft, and she explained that the next step would be for the secretary to publish a notice of the proposed rule changes in the newspaper, so that the public could attend and provide comment. Ms. Lum asked whether the Council needed to approve the new rule, so Ms. Schoen read aloud the last paragraph of the ordinance, which stated that it takes effect upon the date the Board adopts it pursuant to Chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Afterrthe public hearing is held, the rule will be filed with the Office of the County Clerk, at which time it would become effective. If a Councilmember wanted input on the rule, he or she could attend the public hearing, and it is also possible that the Board, after hearing public comments, would amend the proposed rule in accordance with those comments. Motion and vote: Ms. Gentry moved to accept the amendment to Rule 7 as drafted, Ms. Nicholson seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. b. Ongoing discussion on the Sunshine Law. Ms. Lum brought up how Mr. Joseph's petition was released to the public before the respondent or the Board had a chance to see it, although it may not be relevant to the Sunshine Law. Ms. Schoen suggested that if the Board wanted to discuss this matter, she would recommend it be done in Executive Session, as it dealt with the Board's right, duties, powers, and privileges. 28