What's Being Discussed

• Welcome for a new Commissioner: The Commission will introduce newly appointed member Laura Valenzuela. Commissioners may share brief backgrounds. No vote will be taken.
• Visit from Guam Ethics Commission: The Executive Director of the Guam Ethics Commission is attending to learn about Hawaii's ethics operations and may make brief remarks.
• Meeting minutes: The Commission will review the notes from its July 15, 2026 meeting.
• Staff updates: The Commission's directors will share reports on ethics training activity, guidance requests, and other office projects — including information about executive branch employees affected by Act 228.
• 2027 legislation: The Commission will consider sending a letter to support a proposed law that would close a loophole allowing government contractors to make political contributions.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the July 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Possible approval of a letter urging lawmakers to close the government-contractor campaign contribution loophole in the 2027 legislative session

Who Should Pay Attention

• State employees and public officials who are subject to Hawaii's ethics laws
• Government contractors who make or are considering political contributions
• Lobbyists and advocacy groups tracking ethics-related legislation
• General public interested in government accountability and transparency

The meeting is open to the public in person at 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 970, Honolulu, or via Zoom. Written testimony can be submitted in advance to info.ethics@hawaii.gov.