Hawai'i seeks applicants for ethics and campaign spending commissions

Government
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Mark E. Recktenwald, Chief Justice | Hawaii State Judiciary site

The Judicial Council is inviting applications for upcoming vacancies on the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission. The new terms will commence on July 1, 2025, and conclude on June 30, 2029.

Commission members serve voluntarily but are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during their duties, including travel costs. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in Hawaiʻi and cannot hold any other public office.

The Ethics Commission deals with ethical issues concerning legislators, registered lobbyists, and state employees, excluding judges who fall under the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Its five members investigate complaints, provide advisory opinions, and enforce decisions. The Hawaiʻi State Constitution prohibits them from engaging actively in political management or campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Campaign Spending Commission's five members ensure campaign finance integrity by enforcing laws, educating the public, administering public financing, and training campaign committees to encourage compliance.

Appointments to both commissions are made by the Governor from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Council or through reappointment of commissioners whose terms have expired, adhering to term limits.

Interested candidates should submit an application with a resume and three letters of recommendation attesting to their character and integrity. Applications must be postmarked or delivered by March 31, 2025, to:

Judicial Council

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

417 S. King Street

Second Floor

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813-2902

Applications can be obtained from the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary website or by contacting the Judicial Council at 808-539-4702.