Committee advances Linda Martel nomination to Honolulu Ethics Commission

The Committee on International Legal Affairs of the City and County of Honolulu on Monday recommended that Resolution 25-99, confirming Linda Martel to the Ethics Commission for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029, be reported out for adoption.

The item drew a brief period for in-person public testimony before the committee moved on to other business. Hartley, a resident testifying in person, addressed Martel’s nomination and raised concerns about city enforcement practices while expressing support for the appointment. "Though personal experience with the city and county does not inspire the word ethical, I wonder what ethic looks like to you and if your vision is rooted in justice," Hartley said. Hartley added: "I support this appointment. Mahalo and good luck."

Linda Martel, who identified herself as a Kaimuki resident and a retired family court per diem judge, told the committee she retired in 2021. She said she was asked to serve by a longtime friend and saw the post as an opportunity to "give back." The committee chair then recommended the resolution be reported out for adoption; no members raised objections during the public portion of the meeting.

Under the committee’s announced procedures, each in-person or remote testifier is limited to one minute per agenda item and must state their name before speaking. The chair also noted that, under the meeting rules cited to the committee, roll-call votes are required for remote meetings unless there are no objections. The committee recorded no objections at the close of the public discussion on the nomination.

The nomination now proceeds per council rules toward full council consideration; the committee’s action in the public session was to report the resolution out for adoption. The committee then recessed into executive session to address other agenda items.