Mark K. Morita

The meeting included a Directors' report covering education and disclosure updates, training statistics, and guidance and assignment statistics. New ethics training videos were presented, and the status of Commissioner vacancies was discussed. Additionally, there was a review of 2026 legislative matters, specifically relating to campaign fundraising restrictions for executive branch employees.

The meeting included discussions on the election of commission officers following the resignation of the Chair, and formal recognition of the outgoing Chair's distinguished service. The Directors' report covered training statistics, guidance and assignment metrics, and miscellaneous office updates. The commission also reviewed recent media reports concerning government ethics, provided an update on 2026 legislative matters, and conducted an evaluation of the Executive Director.

The commission reviewed reports including training statistics, guidance and assignment data, and the third quarter financial report. Members engaged in a discussion regarding recent media coverage concerning ethics in government and the commission. Additionally, the commission addressed various legislative matters, including proposed bills related to financial disclosures, campaign fundraising, anti-nepotism, and procurement. The evaluation process for the Executive Director and General Counsel was also reviewed, leading to the approval of a timeline and procedural framework for the upcoming performance assessment.

The Conference Committee reconvened to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of two bills. The first, relating to compassionate release, concerns the Hawaii Paroling Authority and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The second, relating to emergency management, involves the HIEMA and the Hawaii Community Resilience Hub Program. This session was designated for decision-making purposes only, with no public testimony accepted.

This document requests the development of a comprehensive, data-driven, and equity-focused statewide food security strategy for Hawaii. The strategy aims to address significant food insecurity, affecting approximately thirty-two percent of the State's households, particularly among marginalized communities, children, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. Key areas of focus for the strategy include assessing economic, geographic, cultural, and programmatic barriers to food access, analyzing economic and climatic trends, identifying approaches to boost local agricultural production, and recommending policy and funding strategies to reduce food costs and expand access to nutritious, culturally appropriate foods. It emphasizes community participation, specifically from underserved communities, and includes provisions for integrating the needs of individuals with disabilities and aligning with existing support programs. The overall vision is to promote equitable access to food, honor cultural practices, and support community-led food systems across the State.