Petition 2021-01 - Informal Advisory Opinion (06-09-21)

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BEFORE THE BOARD OF ETHICS COUNTY OF HAWAI`I In the Matter of the Petition by I PETITION NO. 202 1 -01 Cory Harden, and Tim Richards, Petitioner, I INFORMAL ADVISORY OPINION Respondent. Initial Review: April 12, 2021 INFORMAL ADVISORY OPINION By Petition filed on January 24, 2021 with the Hawaii County Board of Ethics (hereinafter referred to as "Board"), Cory Harden (hereinafter referred to as "Petitioner") requested an opinion from the Board as to whether Council Member Tim Richards (hereinafter referred to as "Respondent") violated the fair treatment section of the Code of Ethics by declining to recuse himself and instead voting to confirm Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst because Respondent was listed as a reference on Mr. Rodenhurst's resume. At its duly noticed meeting of April 12, 2021, the Board initially reviewed and considered the above -captioned Petition pursuant to Rule 4 of the Rules and Practice and Procedure of the Board of Ethics. Petitioner Cory Harden and Respondent Tim Richards were present at the hearing and provided testimony. Petitioner requested an open hearing which was approved by the Board. The Board, having deliberated and considered and giving appropriate weight to the testimony and evidence submitted by the Petitioner, and having considered the arguments presented, hereby renders the following Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order.