Requesting the State Ethics Commission to Conduct a Study to Ascertain What Measures May Be Enacted to Address Possible Conflicts of Interests of the Members of the House of Representatives

House Committee on Legislative Management (LMG) - chair: Magaoay, vice chair: Tokioka House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Waters, vice chair: Oshiro

Thursday, April 26, 2007, 10:00 a.m. Room 309

Testifier: JoAnn Maruoka, Legislative Committee member, LWV-Hawaii

Click here to view HR176

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports House Resolution 176 to request the Hawaii State Ethics Commission conduct a study to determine what measures may be enacted to address possible conflicts of interest of the members of the House of Representatives. Its purpose is forward looking, rather than reactive, and the approach appears to be sound. The resolution states valid concerns about the regulation of the conflicts of interests of members of the Legislature being left to the Legislature itself; and that the lack of clear conflicts of interest standards applicable to members of the Legislature raises concerns among members of the public and undermines the public's confidence. The study should help clear the air, and if needed, provide proposed legislation for the Regular Session of 2008. We feel the intent of this resolution is appropriate to ensure propriety, and to help maintain public confidence. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this resolution.