House Committee on Finance (FIN) - chair: Sylvia Luke, vice chair: Scott Y. Nishimoto, Aaron Ling Johanson

Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Room 308

Testifier: Janet F. Mason, Co-Chair, Legislative Committee

Click here to view HB2378, HD1

Chair Luke, Vice-Chairs Nishimoto and Johanson, and Committee Members: The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB2378 HD 1 requiring all members of boards and commissions to complete training in ethics, public agency meetings and information practices in a timely manner. We appreciate the many, many citizens who serve on Boards and Commissions statewide and think that training on ethics, public agency meeting, and information laws is essential. This allows these volunteer members of Board or Commission to conduct their business with confidence. The training has been shown to be possible with online training and confirmation. This should facilitate timely training. We note that the issue of cost to provide in-person training has been raised and we concur that an appropriate amount be provided if absolutely essential for such in-person training. However, we believe that a reasonable solution would emphasize extensive online training without substantial additional funding. The amendments made by the LGM Committee are acceptable to the League of Women Voters except we ask that the effective date be changed to July 1, 2014. We urge you to pass this bill as amended. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.