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House committee urges audit and Sunshine Law compliance for Ahamoku advisory panel
Summary
Members pressed the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Ahamoku Advisory Committee over absent public meetings, budget approvals and salary authorizations. The committee recommended adding language requesting a financial and performance audit and directed DLNR to assist AMAC to comply with Sunshine Law.
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs examined HCR179/HR169 on April 7, a resolution urging the Ahamoku Advisory Committee (AMAC) to obey the Sunshine Law, conduct a performance review of its executive director, and establish stronger administrative policies.
Acting DLNR leadership (introduced in the hearing as Kanakoli) told members the department had not been aware of public meetings for AMAC unless an agendized notice was filed, and that the department views its administrative attachment role as primarily supportive. Committee members questioned whether AMAC had convened legally, approved budgets or conducted performance reviews despite receiving more than $1.4 million over recent years.
DLNR representatives said there is no freeze on AMAC funds and that routine operating expenses would be processed through DLNR fiscal channels, but larger budget approvals should be approved by the board. The acting DLNR official said an OIP (Office of Information Practices) opinion recently clarified that Sunshine Law applies to AMAC and that her office had already started providing assistance to bring AMAC into compliance.
Why it matters: Members said that advisory panels entrusted with community representation must follow open‑meeting laws and formal procedures — particularly where the panel issues official positions and oversees staff with significant salaries. Lawmakers noted a lack of public minutes, convened meetings, and formal approvals, and proposed an auditor review to restore statutory compliance and public trust.
Next steps: During decision making the committee recommended passing HCR179/HR169 with amendments adding a request for the Office of the Auditor to perform a financial and performance audit of the Ahamoku Advisory Committee; the chairs reserved technical, non‑substantive edits. DLNR said it would prioritize clarifying fund status, provide Sunshine Law assistance and pursue midterm administrative changes (position descriptions and support) if authorized.
Ending: The committee advanced the resolution with amendments requesting an auditor review and greater DLNR assistance to ensure AMAC follows open‑meeting and fiscal rules.
