HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0227.010 2024-2026To: Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba and Memebers of the Hawai'I Cuonty
Council
From: Jeri L. Warhaftig
Re: Nomination of David F. Bruno to the Board of Ethics
Aloha Council Chair Inaba and Council Members,
Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony on behalf of David F.
Bruno who is a nominee for a term on the Board of Ethics. David and his wife
Kendra are close personal friends of over 15 years. During this time my husband
and I have been well aware of David's love for Hawai' i and his close personal
connection to the history and culture - which are also part of his ancestral story. On
several occasions we have been afforded opportunities to revisit the sites of his
family's Hawaiian roots, and we know that his decision to make Hawai'i his
permanent domicile is borne of the fact that to him it has always been a true
"home".
In addition to my personal observations, I am somewhat uniquely equipped
to offer an opinion regarding David's suitability for the Board of Ethics. In my 30-
year career as a Senior Deputy Attorney General in the state of New Jersey I was
responsible for both training and advising professional board members and
attorneys employed by the State about their ethical duties and responsibilities. In
this role I was thoroughly familiar with the ethical concepts that apply to
governance and participated in the investigation, analysis and prosecution of
individuals alleged to have violated ethical precepts.
Based on my professional experience and my personal observations I
propose to you that there can be no finer candidate for the Board of Ethics. David
F. Bruno has a strong legal and professional background that has schooled him in
handling complex, critical, confidential and time sensitive issues. He is a careful
and deliberate analytical thinker dedicated to the rule of law. Additionally, and
perhaps more importantly, he is a thoughtful human being who doesn't rush to
judgment but instead moves forward with an open mind while balancing the
Ref, f3 '-- 2025
equities of a particular situation. He is a consensus builder. I have seen him bring
these strengths to bear in his private life, community, and volunteer activities.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you need any additional
input on this fine candidate.
Thank you, Jeri Warhaftig, (Retired) Attorney -at -Law