Application period to fill two Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission seats extended

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Judicial Council extended the deadline to submit applications to fill two upcoming vacancies on Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission.

The new deadline is March 13. Applications were originally due Feb. 13 for the two seats, which each is for 4-year terms from July 1 through June 30, 2030.

Members of the commission serve on a voluntary basis. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Hawaiʻi and cannot serve in any other public office.

Reasonable expenses — including for travel — incurred while serving on the panel will be reimbursed.

Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission addresses ethical issues involving legislators, registered lobbyists and state employees — with the exception of judges, who are governed by the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The five commissioners — appointed by the governor from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Council — are responsible for investigating complaints, providing advisory opinions and enforcing issued decisions.

Those interested in serving in one of the two upcoming commission vacancies should submit an application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation — attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity.

Applications must be post-marked, emailed, faxed or hand delivered by March 13 to:

• Mail or in-person: Judicial Council, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, 417 S. King St., Second Floor, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813-2902.
• Fax: 808-539-4703.
• Email: chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov.

The Hawaiʻi Constitution also prohibits members of the Ethics Commission “from taking an active part in political management or political campaigns.”

Applications are available at the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary website or by calling the Judicial Council support staff at 808-539-4702.