Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR16

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution highlights the importance of public trust in government institutions, which relies heavily on the ethical conduct of its officials. By pushing for adequate funding, SR16 seeks to enhance the operational capabilities of county ethics boards, enabling them to investigate complaints and offer necessary training on ethical standards. This could lead to a greater overall adherence to the Code of Ethics and ultimately foster increased transparency and accountability in government operations.

Summary

Senate Resolution 16 (SR16) urges counties in Hawaii to allocate sufficient funding to their respective county ethics boards or commissions. The resolution's introduction is rooted in the work of the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, established in 2022 to address the need for clear standards, enforcement, and penalties relating to the conduct of public officers and employees. Many county ethics boards operate with limited resources, hindering their ability to fulfill their constitutional obligations effectively.

Contention

While the resolution is largely supportive of empowering ethics boards, potential contentions may arise regarding the availability of county budgets to substantiate such funding requests. Some counties may face financial constraints that limit their ability to meet these recommendations. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed changes hinges on the willingness of county officials to prioritize ethics reform within their fiscal planning.

Companion Bills

HI SCR20

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

HI HR8

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

Previously Filed As

HI HB728

Making An Appropriation For County Ethics.

HI HCR132

Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.

HI HR113

Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.

HI HB720

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HCR140

Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Develop A Scope Of Work Or Requests For Proposals For Bidders To Perform Their Own Analysis And Methodology That Determines Whether A Development Will Contribute To The Long-term Fiscal Sustainability Of The State And Respective County.

HI HB134

Making An Appropriation For County Ethics.

HI HCR3

Urging Each County To Establish An Emergency Zoning Code For Post-disaster Use.

HI HR99

Urging The Counties To Amend Or Adopt Ordinances To Be Consistent With The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation's Rules Regarding Residential Income Requirements On Housing Projects.

HI SB1190

Relating To County Ethics Commissions.

HI HR121

Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Develop A Scope Of Work Or Requests For Proposals For Bidders To Perform Their Own Analysis And Methodology That Determines Whether A Development Will Contribute To The Long-term Fiscal Sustainability Of The State And Respective County.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.