Bill would weaken Hawaii’s gift law

On Thursday March 31, the State House Judiciary Committee has scheduled decision-making on Senate Bill 671, which would create major exemptions to Hawaii’s gifts law.

The proposed House Draft 1 (HD1), discussed last week, would allow legislators and State employees to accept gifts from all 501(c) entities (including charities, advocacy groups, chambers of commerce, labor unions, and numerous other entities). It also allows acceptance of invitations (such as trips) from local, out-of-state, and even foreign governmental entities.

Common Cause Hawaii’s Nikki Love said, under the bill, legislators and State employees would be allowed to accept gifts even when it is obvious that the gift is intended to influence or reward their action. The HD1 requires disclosure of these gifts, but the reporting deadline is June 30—much too late for the public to keep an eye on gifts accepted during the legislative session, Love said.

For more information, visit the Common Cause Hawaii Facebook page

State House Judiciary Committee contact information

Rep. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Chair
586-6210
[email protected]

Rep. Karl Rhoads, Vice Chair
586-6180
[email protected]

Rep. Tom Brower
586-8520
[email protected]

Rep. Rida T.R. Cabanilla
586-6080
[email protected]

Rep. Mele Carroll
586-6790
[email protected]

Rep. George R. Fontaine
586-8525
[email protected]

Rep. Robert N. Herkes
586-8400
[email protected]

Rep. Ken Ito
586-8470
[email protected]

Rep. Sylvia Luke
586-8530
[email protected]

Rep. Barbara C. Marumoto
586-6310
[email protected]

Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey
586-6160
[email protected]

Rep. Blake K. Oshiro
586-6340
[email protected]

Rep. Joseph M. Souki
586-9444
[email protected]

Rep. Cynthia Thielen
586-6480
[email protected]

Rep. Clift Tsuji
586-8480
[email protected]