Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nepotism Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Maui BOE approves transmittal of countywide anti‑nepotism rule to Council
Summary
The Board voted unanimously to delete a proposed exemption for Council members/staff and approved sending a draft countywide anti‑nepotism rule—modeled on the State law—to County Council for consideration.
The Maui County Board of Ethics reviewed staff redlined and clean drafts of a proposed countywide anti‑nepotism rule on April 8 and unanimously voted to delete a proposed exemption for Council members and staff before transmitting the draft to County Council.
EDLC Lauren Akitake said staff adapted the State nepotism law to Maui County and referenced a recent County audit that identified the absence of a countywide nepotism policy as a concern. Board members discussed the State’s historical exemptions for the judiciary and legislature, noted the Fire Department issued internal guidance in 2025, and expressed support for a policy that applies uniformly across county departments. Member John Hauʻoli Tomoso moved to delete subsection (i) and transmit the draft; the motion passed unanimously.
The Board’s action forwards the draft rule to the County Council, which must consider any ordinance before it becomes law. Board members said the measure would create consistent standards across departments if adopted and that Council approval is required for countywide statutory changes.
