Ethics: Hawaii Socialists Illegally Lobbied for Gaza ‘Ceasefire’ Resolution on Taxpayer Dime
from ROI2024-1.pdf (hawaii.gov) (excerpts)
The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission (“Commission”) has resolved the investigation of Kris Coffield (“Respondent Coffield”), Office Manager, Office of Representative Jeanne Kapela, House of Representatives, Hawai‘i State Legislature, for alleged violations of the State Ethics Code, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (“HRS”) chapter 84….
(CLUE: Kapela is one of several Democratic Socialists of America members in the legislature. Coffield ... uh ... has wings.)
c) At all times relevant herein, Respondent Coffield also served as the CoChair of the Legislative Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, a private non-profit organization.
d) On or around March 21, 2024, Respondent Coffield, in his capacity as CoChair of the Legislative Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, sent an email titled, “Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Requests Your Support for Gaza Resolutions,” to multiple individuals. The email sought support for several legislative resolutions pertaining to Gaza.
e) On or around that same day, March 21, 2024, in apparent response to the email, Respondent Coffield received a text message from the Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Adrian Tam (“Chair Tam”), requesting that future correspondence first be sent to him for review and approval. This text message was then followed by an email from Chair Tam to Respondent Coffield, informing Respondent Coffield that Chair Tam was appointing four individuals to the Legislative Committee.
f) On or around March 21, 2024, at 3:25 p.m., in response to Chair Tam’s text message and email, Respondent Coffield sent an email to various members of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i. The email objected to Chair Tam’s text message and email. It was sent during state work hours. Respondent Coffield explained that he was so distressed by Chair Tam’s text message and email that he left work, went to a coffee shop, and then drafted and sent the email from the coffee shop. Respondent Coffield did not return to work that day and neglected to take leave. …
Respondent Coffield admits that he violated the Fair Treatment law, HRS § 84- 13(a), by writing and sending the email on behalf of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i. Specifically, by using state time to send the email at 3:25 p.m. on March 21, 2024, in violation of HRS § 84-13(a)(3)….
Given the violation of the State Ethics Code, the Commission believes it is reasonable, fair, and in the public interest to resolve this investigation by (1) issuing this Resolution of Investigation, (2) requiring Respondent Coffield to pay an administrative penalty of $100.00 to the State of Hawai‘i, and (3) referring this matter to the House of Representatives for any further action if necessary. ..
read … ROI2024-1.pdf (hawaii.gov)
BACKGROUND: