On Friday the League of Women Voters of Honolulu will unveil its proposal for a new method for selecting members of the County Ethics Commission.
In testimony for the January 15 Charter Commission meeting, the League will outline three important changes to section 11-107 of the Charter: 1) selection of Commissioners by community organizations; 2) clarification that the Ethics Commission administers the Ethics Code and 3) moving the Commission to the Office of the Auditor.
The League believes that the current process for selecting Commissioners (selection by the Mayor with approval by the City Council) has the potential to create real or perceived conflicts of interest, since Ethics Commissioners oversee the work of the Mayor and Council.
Beppie Shapiro, who led this effort for the League, stated “The State Ethics Commission already provides for appointment of State Ethics Commission members through the community-based Judicial Council, with subsequent approval by the State Legislature. It’s time that the Honolulu County adopted a similar approach.”
The League of Women Voters of Honolulu is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
For more information, visit www.lwv-hawaii.com or contact: Ann Shaver, President, League of Women Voters of Hawaii 808-531-7448 voters@lwv-hawaii.com