Relating To Permitted Interactions.
The proposed changes will particularly benefit members of county councils, as they would be exempt from the quorum limitations when participating in these allowed informal meetings. This means that county councils will be able to engage in discussions without the constraints that previously hampered their ability to collaborate and gather information effectively. The bill emphasizes that discussions must occur during official public meetings, reinforcing transparency in accordance with Sunshine Laws, which govern open government and public access to meetings.
House Bill 563 aims to amend Section 92-2.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, addressing the limitations on the number of board members who can attend informal meetings concerning official board business. The bill allows two or more members of a board, provided they do not form a quorum, to participate in discussions at informational meetings that relate to board business, as long as these meetings are public and not specifically organized for board members. This change is intended to facilitate more flexible communication and collaboration among board members on relevant matters.
While the bill is designed to promote better communication and efficiency within boards and councils, it may raise concerns about maintaining transparency and accountability. Critics may argue that allowing board members to convene without a quorum could lead to the potential for clandestine discussions, undermining the spirit of open meetings laws. Proponents, however, contend that the provisions ensure public discussion by mandating that all meetings are open to the public and that discussions are disclosed at subsequent board meetings, thereby promoting openness.