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Nahale-a: Item No. 17, Pursuant to Section 281-22, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, <br />notifies the Commission, in writing, of the employee's intent to support, advocate, or aid in <br />the support of political candidates in the upcoming 2018 elections. <br />17. Pursuant to Section 281-22, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, <br />notifies the Commission, in writing, of the employee's intent to support, <br />advocate, or aid in the support of political candidates in the upcoming <br />2018 elections. <br />Takase: The Liquor Commission is under special jurisdiction, so 281-22 used to prohibit <br />Liquor Commission or Liquor Department employees from engaging in political <br />campaigns. But, that was challenged by the union as violating their rights. It has since <br />been amended to say that any employees that are going to take part in any campaign, <br />whether it be fundraising or signing petitions or things of that nature, need to notify the <br />Commission of their intent to do so. Prior to the political season coming up, I will poll the <br />employees and, not that they're going to do it, but if they think they might get involved, <br />then we need to notify the Commission. That's what this letter is doing basically, that we <br />may be involved in campaigning or contributing to campaigns. Really, it came out of <br />"olden days," when they used to tap the liquor employees to provide liquor. It went from <br />all employees were prohibited from getting involved but then the unions pushed back on <br />that, so that's where we are now. All of our employees realize that they're not supposed <br />to be, and I don't think any of them are, using their position to aid political candidates <br />through using their position to request favors, etc. from our Licensees. <br />Greenwell: Does 281-22 say anything about commissioners? <br />Takase: No. <br />Schoen: No. It's just employees. <br />Takase: It's just the employees; not prohibiting Commissioners. I think it's realized that <br />commissioners and board members are political appointees, so it doesn't go that far. <br />Greenwell: On that note, maybe a blanket letter for all the employees, instead of <br />naming them, might be a better route? <br />Takase: That's the requirement. I'm supposed to name who may be involved. <br />Nahale-a: HRS states "the employee's intent" so (inaudible) name the employee. Can <br />I get a motion to accept the notification? <br />Lopez: So move. <br />Greenwell: Second. <br />June 7, 2018 — LIQUOR COMMISSION MINUTES 36 <br />