Hawaii Senate Bill SCR20

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Urging The Counties To Devote Sufficient Funding To Their Respective County Ethics Boards Or Commissions.

Impact

The proposed resolution highlights critical deficiencies in the funding and resources available to county ethics commissions. Many of these bodies currently lack the necessary staff to adequately handle complaints, provide advice and training, and enforce ethical standards. This lack of resources could impede their ability to fulfill their constitutional obligations effectively, ultimately affecting the accountability of local government officials.

Summary

SCR20 focuses on urging counties within Hawaii to allocate sufficient funding to their respective county ethics boards or commissions. The resolution stems from concerns related to the strength and stability of the democratic government, emphasizing that public trust is reliant on ethical conduct, integrity, and sound judgment by public officers. The House of Representatives previously adopted a resolution that established a commission to improve standards of conduct, tasked with ensuring clear regulations around ethics and compliance for public officials.

Contention

While SCR20 is largely a call to action for better funding, it may face resistance from local governments concerned about budgeting and financial priorities. Some may argue that without compelling evidence of misconduct or failure to act, additional funding may not be justifiable. Advocates for ethical governance see the need for enhanced funding as essential, asserting that it directly correlates to increased public confidence in government integrity.