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Board of Ethics approves advisory opinion allowing Water Department to host HWWA conference with conditions
Summary
The Maui County Board of Ethics found the 2026 Hawai‘i Water Works Association conference serves a public purpose, authorized staff time for educational components, prohibited use of county resources for recreational activities, and set conditions for accepting sponsorships and handling external funds.
The Maui County Board of Ethics on May 13 issued Advisory Opinion 26A-30, concluding that the 2026 Hawai‘i Water Works Association (HWWA) conference serves a “public activity or purpose” and may be hosted by the Department of Water Supply subject to conditions. The board’s action was unanimous.
Deputy Director James “Kimo” Landgraf told the board the three-day conference is primarily a professional and technical training event for water utility employees and government officials, with educational sessions, an awards dinner and a site visit to a Maui water facility. Landgraf said optional recreational events, such as a golf tournament, must be attended on employees’ personal time.
Executive Director and Legal Counsel Lauren Akitake presented the legal analysis and recommended findings. The board’s written conditions authorize county staff time and equipment for planning and executing educational, technical and professional-development components but explicitly prohibit county resources from being used for recreational or entertainment activities. The opinion also permits the Department to accept sponsorships from the State, vendors and contractors provided safeguards are followed.
The board outlined safeguards to reduce risks of perceived or actual favoritism: acknowledging donations with disclaimers that contributions will not confer special favors; maintaining adequate financial records to ensure external funds are used only for reasonable conference expenses; issuing conference documents on HWWA letterhead when appropriate; and ensuring sponsorships do not influence future contract evaluations, permit approvals, or discretionary decisions involving donors.
Chair Michael Lilly called the vote to adopt the advisory opinion; Secretary Noel “Chivo” Ching-Johnson moved and Member John Hauʻoli Tomoso seconded. All members voted in the affirmative.
The opinion clarifies that county resources may be used for the conference’s educational and technical components to support departmental training objectives, but remains protective of County operations by restricting recreational uses of time and equipment.
