Board of Ethics

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics administers the county's code of ethics under the Hawaii County Charter, reviewing financial disclosure filings from county officers and employees and investigating complaints of ethical violations. It issues advisory opinions to help county officials understand their obligations and can recommend disciplinary action when violations are found. The board operates independently to maintain public trust in county government.

The Board of Ethics is the primary mechanism for holding Big Island county officials and employees accountable to conflict-of-interest rules and ethical standards. Residents who believe a county official has acted improperly — by accepting gifts, using public resources for personal benefit, or participating in decisions where they have a financial stake — can file a complaint with the board.