The Judicial Council announced today that the deadline to submit applications to fill two vacancies on the Hawai`i State Ethics Commission has been extended from February 27, 2009 to March 20, 2009. One vacancy will occur upon the expiration of the term of current member Maria Sullivan on June 30, 2009. A second vacancy has occurred as a result of the resignation of member Kathleen Pahinui.

Applicants must be United States citizens, residents of the State of Hawai`i, and may not hold any other public office. The Ethics Commission regulates the ethics of all legislators, registered lobbyists, and state employees (with the exception of judges, who are governed by the Commission on Judicial Conduct). The Ethics Commission is responsible for investigating complaints, providing advisory opinions, and enforcing decisions issued by the Commission. The Hawai`i State Constitution prohibits members of the Ethics Commission “from taking an active part in political management or political campaigns.”

Interested persons should submit an application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation (attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity) no later than close of business on Friday, March 20, 2009 to: Judicial Council, Hawai`i Supreme Court, 417 S. King Street, Second Floor, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813-2902.

The application form is available on the Judiciary website at www.courts.state.hi.us. Applications may also be obtained from the Public Affairs Office, Room 206-C, Ali`iolani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813 or by calling the Judicial Council at 539-4702.

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Contact: Jaye Atiburcio, 539-4702