...ACTIVE WEATHER EXPECTED BY THE WEEKEND WITH THE RISK OF SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS AND POSSIBLY FLASH FLOODING...
An unusually strong upper level disturbance is expected to move
into the area Thursday night through Saturday, bringing the
possibility of very active weather to portions of the Aloha
State. The latest guidance indicates an increasing potential for
strong to severe thunderstorms, which could produce damaging winds
and large hail, as well as the possibility for localized intense
rainfall and flash flooding.
The details of this event, including timing, locations most at risk,
and intensity, are still uncertain. Listen for later statements,
as well as possible watches and warnings, as this event becomes
more clear.
Hawaii will participate in the nationwide effort to raise awareness on sexual assault. Hawaii State Capitol will host one of the many sign-waving events on Tuesday, April 4. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)
Hawaii will participate in the nationwide effort to raise awareness on sexual assault. Hawaii State Capitol will host one of the many sign-waving events on Tuesday, April 4. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)
Who is watching out for wrongdoing among state workers? Bad behavior from lawmakers and state employees highlights the importance of the state ethics commission. This key watchdog group is now looking to add one more to its staff.
HONOLULU (Island News) -- Who is watching out for wrongdoing among state workers? Bad behavior from lawmakers and state employees highlights the importance of the state ethics commission. This key watchdog group is now looking to add one more to its staff.
When it comes to the state's 60,000 employees, many have a positive view of Hawaii's workers.
"I would say a majority of them are dedicated and hard working. I can trust them. I know they do their work, and they care about carrying out the public interest," said Honolulu resident Clarice Schafer.
"A lot of them are honest, but there are a few who try to game the system - like everything else," stated Honolulu resident Larry Chun.
"Just a few make things bad for those who do a good job. So, if we don't hit them hard and make them accountable, the public says, 'They don't care'," said State Ethics Commission Chair Wesley Fong.
Holding those workers, including our legislators, accountable is the job of the State Ethics Commission.
"Ethics is the cornerstone of good and honest government. If you can't trust your state officials, who can you trust?" asked Fong.
Members of the public, or other state workers, concerned about wrongdoing can submit a complaint - even anonymously.
In 2023 alone, there were 329 complaints received. Which led to 17 investigations and resulted in three charges being filed.
"There was an Athletic Director who absconded with funds, over $400,000 dollars, over a few years. He was prosecuted criminally - but he wasn't out of the woods ethically. We charged him with ethical violations and fined him $217,000," stated Fong.
Complaints can range from nepotism in the workplace, illegal lobbying, or misappropriation of funds from any state worker - including lawmakers.
"The two most egregious cases were the latest legislators who were convicted of bribery. I don't think they had any remorse. We are there to take care of the ethic portion of their punishment," stated Fong.
"When people take advantage of the system and take bribes it just makes everything untrustworthy. You can't trust anyone anymore," added Chun.
While there is a staff of attorneys to handle investigations, there is currently an opening on the State Ethics Commission. One more Commissioner is needed to take on a job with a lot of importance, but that job comes with absolutely NO pay.
"We do not get compensated. We want to do our job to have good and honest government. We want the public to know we are watching out for their backs, ethically," added Fong.
The top two applicants, for this current vacancy, will be nominated to the governor by the Judicial Council.
Gov. Josh Green will then select the next State Ethics Commissioner, who will serve for the next four years.
