Information & Resources
The following information and links provide important information and materials that assist appointees to State of Hawaii boards and commissions perform their duties.
Office of Information Practices (OIP)
Website: https://oip.hawaii.gov/
Phone: (808) 586-1400
E-mail: [email protected]
Board and commission members must become familiar with Hawaii’s open meetings law (Sunshine Law) and the open records law (UIPA), because actions taken improperly could be challenged or even voided by the court. OIP provides training and help on how to properly comply with these laws. OIP’s staff attorneys can answer your questions and provide general advice, usually on the same day, through the Attorney of the Day service. OIP also investigates complaints and resolves disputes between boards and the general public, and will render formal and informal opinions. You can also ask to be added to OIP’s What’s New e-mail list to receive timely updates regarding the open government laws.
Please be sure to study OIP’s free training materials that are conveniently available 24/7 on its website at oip/hawaii.gov. The materials are grouped under either the Sunshine Law or the UIPA and can be accessed on OIP’s website on the Laws/Rules/Opinions page or by clicking on the training link. OIP’s website has two detailed Sunshine Law and UIPA power point presentations with voice-over and training materials that take approximately one and one-half hours each to complete and which you are strongly encouraged to study. OIP’s website also has written guides and other materials explaining the Sunshine Law and the UIPA.
Hawaii State Ethics Commission
Website: https://ethics.hawaii.gov/
Phone: (808) 587-0460
E-mail: [email protected]
- Hawaii State Ethics Training Video
- Hawaii State Ethics Guide
- HRS Chapter 84 (Standards of Conduct)
Other Key Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) provisions for Board and Commission Members (click on the links below to review):
- HRS Section 26-34 (Selection and terms of members of boards and commissions)
- HRS Section 26-35.5 (Members of boards and commissions; immunity from or indemnification for civil liability; defense of members)
- HRS Section 78-1 (Citizenship and residence; exceptions)
- HRS Section 78-4 (Boards and commission; service limited)
- HRS Section 92-15.5 (Nonattendance of board member; expiration of term)
- HRS Section 662-16 (Defense of state employees – Board members and commissioners treated as state employees)
If you have any additional questions please email [email protected] or call (808) 586-0034.