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Committee backs first reading of pay‑scale changes for Board of Ethics executive director
Summary
BFED recommended first-reading approval of a bill to set a pay cap for the Board of Ethics executive director that aligns with the salary of the first deputy corporation counsel; the measure aims to aid recruitment and requires council approval of any selected pay via resolution.
The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee recommended first-reading approval of a measure that updates Maui County code to set pay parameters for the executive director of the Board of Ethics.
The proposed ordinance (CD2) clarifies that the executive director’s salary may not exceed the salary of the first deputy corporation counsel, consistent with the county charter and recent adjustments from the Salary Commission. The CD2 version removes a fixed pay range and instead establishes a maximum; any specific compensation selected by the board would require approval by the council via resolution.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Caleb Roe, who said he staffs the Board of Ethics, told the committee the change responds to the Salary Commission adjustments and “we do believe that raising the salary in this way will help with recruitment.” The committee also heard that the charter requires the executive director to be an attorney licensed in the State of Hawaii.
Budget Director Leslie Milner told members the administration included $154,000 in the Department of Management account to support the Board of Ethics; she said final budgetary effects will depend on the actual hire date and salary and could be handled through a later budget amendment or countywide cost transfer.
Members asked why the range was removed; Counsel Roe said he was not present when the amendment was drafted and that the administration intended to give the board more latitude while keeping a maximum tied to the first deputy corporation counsel salary. He also noted that any selected pay will return to council for resolution approval.
The committee recorded a first‑reading recommendation by voice vote. The transcript records seven ayes and two members excused. Committee staff said no additional substantive amendments were adopted at committee.
What’s next: the ordinance will advance to full council for further consideration and any necessary budget adjustments once a hire is made.
