Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026
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Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026
The Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee convened on March 17, 2026, at 1:34 PM and adjourned at 5:25 PM. The meeting covered three agenda items: a presentation from the Board of Ethics on priorities and collaboration opportunities, an update on a wrongful death lawsuit against a fire captain, and a resolution to hire special counsel for litigation challenging Ordinance 5909 (Bill 9). The committee heard public testimony, deliberated, and ultimately deferred action on the first two items; a vote on the resolution to hire special counsel resulted in a 4‑4 tie, effectively deferring the matter.
Public Comments & Testimony
- On Board of Ethics presentation: Chivo Chang Johnson expressed full support for the Board of Ethics and its efforts to update rules, noting that ethics violations range from minor to serious. Johan Lal spoke against over‑broad ethics rules, citing the cultural tradition of “gifts of aloha” (e.g., donuts) and raised concerns about the board’s rules regarding private hearings and restrictions on discussing complaints. Christopher Salem questioned the board’s collaborative posture, arguing it should act as an independent check, not a partner with the council; he also claimed the board improperly declined jurisdiction over a complaint involving the county auditor.
- On lawsuit update (Chelsea Evans estate): JC Law from Kuko testified in support of the late firefighter Trey Evans, emphasizing his heroic actions and sacrifice.
- On Resolution 26‑15 (special counsel for Bill 9 litigation): Christopher Salem testified in support of hiring the McCorstin Miller Mukai McKinnon firm, noting their prior work on county matters, but urged upfront disclosure of any prior conflicts. No other oral testimony was presented on this item.
Discussion Items
- Board of Ethics Vision, Priorities, and Opportunities for Collaboration: Director Lauren Aki Take presented the board’s 2026 priorities, which include adopting a countywide nepotism policy (following Hawaii County’s 2025 policy and best practices), modernizing lobbyist rules, updating gift rules (including clarifying “gifts of aloha”), extending board jurisdiction over former employees to six years, and establishing comprehensive ethics training. Statistics: 143 registered lobbyists representing 203 organizations; complaints more than doubled from 2024 to 2025; the board reviews 204 financial disclosure statements annually. The board discussed the need to balance cultural practices (e.g., omiyagi, lei) with ethical standards. Councilmembers raised concerns about protecting employees from unfounded complaints, the definition of corruption, and the need for clear guidance on implementation. The item was posted for no legislative action and was deferred.
- Case Update – Estate of Trey Puvay Laahio Olopaka Amelehuanani Evans v. Scott Martin, Civil 2CCV‑24‑0000034: Deputy Corporation Counsel John Gores and special counsel Anna Ilento Sneed provided an update. The lawsuit stems from a January 2023 incident; a wrongful death claim against the county was dismissed with prejudice in January/February 2025 under the Hawaii Workers’ Compensation Act exclusivity provision. The remaining claim is against Captain Scott Martin, with trial scheduled for July 2027. The county is funding Captain Martin’s defense. The committee attempted to enter executive session to discuss legal liabilities but could not include special counsel because she represents Captain Martin, not the county. The item was deferred.
- Resolution 26‑15 – Authorizing Employment of Special Counsel for Litigation Challenging Ordinance 5909: Deputy Corporation Counsel Kristen Tarnstrom and proposed special counsel David Minkin presented the resolution to authorize McCorstin Miller Mukai McKinnon LLP as co-counsel for two class‑action lawsuits challenging Bill 9 (Ordinance 5909), with compensation not to exceed $250,000. Minkin noted his experience with class actions and land‑use regulation. Councilmembers debated the need for outside counsel, citing prior assurances that corporation counsel could handle the litigation. Some members expressed concerns about the timing (just before budget season) and lack of public input. A motion to recommend adoption failed 4‑4‑1 (Councilmember Lee excused). The chair then deferred the item without objection.
Key Outcomes
- Board of Ethics presentation: No action taken; item deferred. Committee staff will work with the board to draft proposed code amendments (nepotism, lobbyist rules, jurisdiction over former employees) for summer 2026 consideration.
- Lawsuit update (Evans estate): No action taken; item deferred after a failed attempt to go into executive session.
- Resolution 26‑15: Motion to recommend adoption failed (4 ayes, 4 noes, 1 excused). The chair subsequently deferred the item without objection, effectively postponing any decision on hiring special counsel.
Meeting Transcript
Well, the government relations ethics and transparency committee meetings on March seventeenth, twenty twenty six order. It is one thirty-four p.m. I'm here calling our baton. Please identify by name who if anyone gets in the room for your core space with you today. Aloha Chair, Councilmembers, committee members, there's no testifiers at the Lenine District Office, and I am home in my workspace and ready to work. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. Council Chair Alice Lee. Good afternoon, Chair and Anzo from New Mexico and the uh Apache Indian Nation. Thank you. Councilmember Tamara Paulton. Aloha, awina la and the Anhul Kalko streaming live and direct from the P. I have one adult male George Viera here with me in the house, and three minors who shall remain unnamed, two of the human variety and one of the canine variety. Thank you. I see member uh Rollins Fernandez just logged in, so we'll give her a minute. Councilmember Shane Senenzi. Here at my home private residence. I'm here by myself, and there's no testifiers in the chair. Thank you, Member Soneti. Councilmember Yuki Leisu Yumura. Good afternoon. And is it the Lanzo? The Anzo, the Anzo, and looking forward to a productive meeting. Thank you. From Corporation Council, we have with us Deputy Corporation Council Colby, Deputy Corporation Council Gores, and Deputy Corporation Council Tarnstrom. We also have with us representatives from the Board of Ethics, ESA Inc., a law corporation, and Morcoriston, Miller, Mukai, McKinnon LLP. We also have with us our great committee staff. And I now see Member Rollins Fernandez. Uh for a meeting at I could only schedule during this time, so my apologies. Yes. Thank you, Member Rollins Fernandez. Okay. I'll be right back. Ahaalaturn. All right, everybody. Um good afternoon. And please see the last page over the agenda for information regarding connectivity. Now, before we begin our formal agenda today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredibly difficult weekend our community has just endured. Over the past several days, we watched heavy rains cause severe flooding and inundation across our islands. We've seen homes destroyed, roads washed out, and families taking on the mental burden of wondering if they would lose everything to the elements. For many in our community, this weekend wasn't just about the rain. It was about the sound of sirens and the sight of rising water, triggering the deep-seated trauma of past natural disasters, especially previous floods and the wildfires of 2023. We know that our residents, especially those still displaced or rebuilding from the wildfires, every emergency alert carries the weight that is hard to describe. Whether it is fire or water, the anxiety of losing everything is a burden our people carry daily. And to the community, the nonprofit organizations and neighbors who checked on our family and friends and who moved quickly to mitigate damage. As we move through today's business, especially on the item related to trade evidence do Moran. Let us keep those affected by this weekend's flooding in our thoughts and remain committed to building a safer, more prepared Maui Nui for everyone. Thank you. Nicely said. Okay, members.
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