COMPLIMENTARY GOLF

From Hawaii State Ethics Commission July 3, 2013

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission is investigating a number of state employees for accepting complimentary golf from vendors, contractors and other entities which may have a business interest with the employees’ respective state departments. The investigation is ongoing; however, based on the information uncovered to date, it appears that there are many state employees and legislators who may have accepted and may continue to accept complimentary golf, both in the form of greens fees and entry fees to charity golf tournaments. It also appears that some of the employees and legislators have received significant gifts and prizes as a result of their participation in the golf tournaments.

Because of the substantial number of state employees who appear to have accepted and may continue to be accepting complimentary golf from entities which appear to do business with the State, the Commission is issuing this reminder to all state employees and legislators: absent extraordinary and rare circumstances, the Commission construes the State Ethics Code to prohibit state employees and legislators from accepting complimentary golf.  For purposes of the State Ethics Code, it is immaterial that the employee expects to discuss state business during the round of golf; it is immaterial that the golf tournament benefits a charity or other worthy cause; it is immaterial that the round of golf or golf tournament is on the weekend or the employee has taken a vacation day to play; it is immaterial that the employee or legislator is invited by somebody whom he or she knows if the greens fee or tournament fee is paid by the entity. The State Ethics Code simply prohibits state employees and legislators from accepting complimentary golf from entities having a business interest with the State.

If you have questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Commission staff at 587-0460.

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HNN: Some of the gifts are valued at up to $1,000

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