by Andrew Walden

The Hawaii Ethics Commission is seeking a replacement for Executive Director Dan Gluck.

No public announcement of Gluck’s departure has been made, but a September 3, 2021, announcement states: “The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission (“Commission”) is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director.”

Gluck has served as Executive Director since July 1, 2016.  In response to an inquiry from Hawai'i Free Press, Gluck says, "I’ve tendered my resignation to the Commission, though I’ll be staying on another 2-3 months while they search for a new Executive Director."

The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission meeting, August 19, 2021, included:

V. Personnel matters The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission may convene an executive session pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes section 92-5(a)(2) to discuss matters relating to the hire, evaluation, dismissal, or discipline of an officer or employee.

The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission meeting, September 3, 2021, included:

V. Discussion of the Application and Hiring Process for the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission may convene an executive session pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes section 92-5(a)(2) to discuss matters relating to the hire, evaluation, dismissal, or discipline of an officer or employee.

Attachment 1: Application Packet Cover Sheet Attachment 2: Application Information Revised 2021 Attachment 3: Position Description – ED revised 2017 (approved by Comm’n) Attachment 4: Application Form Revised 2021 Attachment 5: Authorization to Release Information

Both discussions were held in executive session closed to the public and press.

In July, Gluck was nominated to a seat on the Intermediate Court of Appeals by Governor David Ige.  State Senators, July 29, 2021, rejected the nomination by a 6-17 vote after critics openly complained about Gluck’s ethnicity and gender.  Some saw the vote as retaliation for the removal of Joe Souki as House Speaker and for a series of Ethics Commission rulings which Legislators felt intruded on their ability to accept gifts from lobbyists.

Legislators cut the Ethics Commission budget by 8% for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 resulting in the elimination of one position and all staff travel budgets.  

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PDF: SEPTEMBER 2021 APPLICATION PACKET FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION