House Committee on Legislative Management (LMG) - chair: Tokioka, vice chair: Oshiro

Friday, February 6, 2009, 2:00 P.M. Conference Room 423

Testifier: JoAnn Maruoka, LWV of Hawaii Legislative Team Member

Click here to view HB970

Chair Tokioka, Vice Chair Oshiro, and members, The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB 970 to prohibit former legislators and appointees whose appointments were subject to senate confirmation from engaging in lobbying for 24 months after termination of employment. The 24-month restriction is sound and rational to preclude both the appearance and the actual misuse of influence. It is also similar to post-government employment restrictions that apply to senior officials departing Federal Service. Certainly, lobbyists have only the power public officials give them. However, widespread scandals involving paid lobbyists and the resulting public anger make it more important than ever to enact appropriate measures to help ensure our elected and appointed officials operate in a trustworthy, ethical manner while in public service and subsequently in interacting with former colleagues. We urge you to pass HB 970. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.