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Murashige, Laura 0409 758 /FC
From: Helen Hemmes [hemmesh @hawaiiantel.net]
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2010 8:24 PM • i V1_L7
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us 7010 APR 6 Af9 7 `f
Cc: Susan Irvine
Subject: Testimony on Bill 230 relating to the Code of Ethics C 1J � �
OUN"t '
Attachments: LWV - testimony for hearing on code of ethics - April 6 2010.doc
Aloha,
Attaches is League of Women Voters of Hawaii County testimony on Bill 230 relating to the Code of
Ethics for the Tuesday, April 6, 10:30 a.m., meeting of the Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance.
I would appreciate your confirming receipt of this e-mail.
Thank you l
Aloha, Helen Hemmes, President, LWVHC
Tel. 935 -6214
cc: Sue Irvine, Treasurer, LWVHC
Coma •
Ref. Toi resentB°i
Ref. Dote :APR 0 6 2010:—
4/6/2010
IT 1
LEAGUE OF
WOMEN VOTERS'
HAWAII COUNTY
P.O. BOX 665, HILO, HI 96721 '
TESTIMONY ON BILL 230, RELATING TO THE CODE OF ETHICS
Hawai'i County Council Committee on Finance
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
10:30 a.m. Conference Room
Testifier: Helen Hemmes, President, League of Women Voters of Hawaii County
Chair Onishi, Vice Chair Ikeda and Members,
The League of Women Voters of Hawaii Island strongly supports the proposed amendments to
the County Code of Ethics. In this time of badly eroded public trust, we feel it's vital that every
effort be made to address ethics requirements correctly and well. We believe that appropriately
strengthening the Code will help foster ethical behavior and prevent ethical lapses.
The amendments to prohibit County employees from contracting with the County and to prohibit
County agencies from contracting with a County employee address a core issue in conflict of
interest by precluding personal financial or economic gain in areas that are paid with public
monies. The amendment to ban County employees from representing a third party who
appears before County agencies unless authorized by ordinance goes far to ensure fair and
equitable treatment for all by precluding special privilege or advantage to "insiders." Together,
these three requirements reduce the risk of perceived and real misuse of power and
inappropriate favoritism. They will also encourage ethical behavior; helping to make it "a must"
in public service.
The amendment to redefine "agency" is appropriately comprehensive and closes loopholes.
The proposed amendments are sound, prudent and in the best interest of the County, the public
served, and those who are subject to the code. Not only do they offer needed clarification, they
reflect the people's expectations for integrity in the conduct of the public's business. We
strongly urge you to incorporate them to update and strengthen the Code.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments in support of the bill.
Our Mission Statement
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed
and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public
policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.