HI SB835

Authorizes the Judicial Council to nominate persons for appointment to county ethics commissions, provided the county's charter or ordinance requires appointments from Judicial Council nominations.

Aligns county ethics commission selection with the state-level process, where Hawaii State Ethics Commission members are appointed by the Governor from panels nominated by the Judicial Council.

Aims to ensure independence and impartiality of county ethics commissions as required by Article XIV of the Hawaii State Constitution.

Addresses current disparity where county ethics commission members are appointed by county mayors and confirmed by city councils, both entities subject to oversight by those same commissions.

Received support from the League of Women Voters and Common Cause Hawaii.