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Board of Ethics: No inherent conflict for Prentis‑Ray Patao’s HRCC employment and Planning Commission service
Summary
The Board unanimously recommended issuing an advisory opinion that Prentis‑Ray Noʻeau Patao’s employment with the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters does not inherently conflict with his volunteer seat on the Maui Planning Commission, with a caution to recuse on HRCC‑specific matters.
The Maui County Board of Ethics on April 8 unanimously recommended issuing an advisory opinion finding that Prentis‑Ray Noʻeau Patao’s employment with the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters (HRCC) does not inherently conflict with his appointment to the Maui Planning Commission.
EDLC Lauren Akitake reviewed Rule 04‑101‑3 and Charter Section 10‑4.4 while Mr. Patao described his duties at HRCC as primarily representing union members, handling administrative matters, and enforcing labor agreements. Akitake said the facts presented did not indicate Mr. Patao met the definition of a lobbyist and advised that he must recuse from any Planning Commission matter directly involving HRCC or matters where a direct conflict arises. The Board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation and directed the BOE office to issue general guidance on the topic.
Mr. Patao told the Board he intended to serve the community and provide practical industry perspective—particularly in Lahaina recovery and development—and said he would recuse himself or remove himself from related activities if a conflict arose. EDLC Akitake also noted the request revealed ambiguities in Charter Section 10‑4.4 that may inform future rule revisions.
The Board’s action was framed as advisory guidance rather than a binding legal determination; the opinion emphasized recusal in specific instances and signaled potential administrative rule changes to clarify Charter language.
