What's Being Discussed

Meeting minutes: The Commission will review and approve the record from its September 16, 2026 meeting.
Staff updates: Commission staff will report on ethics training, financial disclosures, guidance requests, and office projects for 2026.
Court ruling review: Commissioners will discuss a recent Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals decision in a case involving the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) and the Board of Regents — a case in which the Ethics Commission previously filed a supporting brief.
2027 proposed legislation: The Commission will review several bills it may support for the upcoming legislative session, covering financial disclosure requirements, "revolving door" restrictions (rules about state employees moving into private-sector jobs related to their government work), government ethics and procurement integrity, and University of Hawaii technology transfer activities.
Lobbyist campaign contribution fines: The Commission will consider adopting a formal schedule of fines for state lobbyists who make prohibited campaign contributions.

Decisions Expected

Approval of the September 2026 meeting minutes.
Possible action on proposed legislation related to financial disclosures and revolving door restrictions for state employees.
Possible adoption of a fine schedule for lobbyists who illegally contribute to political campaigns. Note: No formal action will be taken on the government ethics/procurement or UH technology transfer proposals at this meeting.

Who Should Pay Attention

State government employees, especially those considering future private-sector employment.
Registered lobbyists who may be subject to new campaign contribution penalties.
University of Hawaii staff and administrators involved in technology transfer or employment matters.
Anyone interested in government ethics, transparency, or the upcoming 2027 legislative session.