Maui’s Hidden Ethics – Who is Hiding Behind the Redactions?

by Andrew Walden

On August 20, 2024, County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) Director Luana Mahi was placed on leave with pay after media exposed her alleged diversion of $1.4M in grants to profitable nonprofits headed by her husband and son.

Judging from recent Maui Board of Ethics Advisory Opinions, she has lots of company from Maui County employees who see their job as an opportunity to direct 'non-profit' grant funds to friends and family.

Mahi was apparently identified only due to a tip to a reporter.  Here is what Maui Board of Ethics Advisory Opinion 24A-07 said:

“the Board finds that (REDACTED) position as the (REDACTED) of (REDACTED) creates a conflict of interest with (REDACTED) participation in discussions related to the (REDACTED) for the (REDACTED) and (REDACTED) of the (REDACTED) as part of the (REDACTED) with the County of Maui.”   

But 24A-07 is only one of five advisory opinions issued this year.  The other four are loaded with redactions and no tipster has stepped forward to unmask the wrongdoers.

Ain’t got but one idea between ‘em.

Here are the details: 

24A-01 

NAMES: Board minutes reveal that Cody Nemet Tuivaiti appeared before the Board of Ethics March 18, 2024 represented by Bianca Isaki regarding 24A-01.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY:  “whether…there is an inherent conflict between (REDACTED) position as (REDACTED) for the County of Maui and (REDACTED) new business venture (REDACTED) a locally sourced (REDACTED).  In addition, (REDACTED) would like to know if (REDACTED) position with the County precludes (REDACTED) from seeking County grants to assist with the financing of (REDACTED) business.” …

OPINION:  “there is no inherent conflict between (REDACTED) position as (REDACTED), and (REDACTED) new business venture (REDACTED).  However, the Board finds that (REDACTED) is prohibited from securing County grants in excess of $500 for (REDACTED) pursuant to 10.4(3) of the Maui County Charter ….”

24A-02

NAMES:  UNKNOWN.  Was heard by Board May 8, 2024

PROCEDURAL HISTORY:  “whether…there is a conflict between (REDACTED) position as a (REDACTED) with the (REDACTED) for the County of Maui (“REDACTED“) and (REDACTED) desire to initiate the  (REDACTED) through (REDACTED) non-profit, the (REDACTED).  …

OPINION:  “there is an inherent conflict between (REDACTED) position as a (REDACTED) with (REDACTED), and (REDACTED) desire to provide services through the (REDACTED) through (REDACTED) non-profit, (REDACTED). 

“The Board believes that the information (REDACTED) hopes to use to assist wildfire victims with the (REDACTED) process would be based on knowledge derived directly from (REDACTED) County employment with (REDACTED).  Accordingly, assisting members of the public to navigate the County (REDACTED) process would potentially violate Sec 10-4(1)(b) of the Charter which prohibits County employees from appearing before County agencies on behalf of private interests.

“Finally the board is concerned that (REDACTED) could potentially use (REDACTED) position with (REDACTED) to grant unwarranted consideration to (REDACTED) (REDACTED) knows and has worked with as part of the (REDACTED)….”    

24A-03

NAMES: UNKNOWN.  Was heard by Board May 8, 2024  

PROCEDURAL HISTORY: …“whether…there is a conflict between (REDACTED) position as a (REDACTED) with the (REDACTED) for the County of Maui, and (REDACTED) continued involvement with the (REDACTED).  …”

OPINION:  “there is a conflict between (REDACTED) position as a (REDACTED) at the (REDACTED the and the awarding of any potential grant monies in excess of $500 to (REDACTED), including via a fiscal sponsor….

“As the coordinator of (REDACTED), (REDACTED) has a financial interest in any potential grants that would be used to fund the (REDACTED).  Accordingly, should the (REDACTED) receive County grants in excess of $500, it would violate Section 10-4(3) of the Code of Ethics of the Maui County Charter….”

24A-08

NAMES: Two unknown County employees.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY:  “regarding a potential conflict with two employees within the (REDACTED) (“REDACTED“) and their roles in awarding, overseeing and processing grant awards and payments under certain grants.  The (REDACTED) (“REDACTED“) is responsible for processing and approving payments made under grants awarded by (REDACTED).  This request concerns the continued processing and approval of payments by (REDACTED) and its employees pursuant to certain grants.”  

OPINION:  “With respect to (REDACTED), in light of her former service as President of (REDACTED), the fact that her son is a member of (REDACTED) the company granted funds as program manager under (REDACTED), and that her spouse is receiving payments directly from (REDACTED) under that grant, the Board finds that (REDACTED) position as (REDACTED) is a conflict with her oversight of (REDACTED).  With respect to (REDACTED), (REDACTED) and (REDACTED) awarded to (REDACTED), because (REDACTED) spouse is a director of the grantee, the Board also finds that (REDACTED) position as (REDACTED) (REDACTED) is a conflict with her oversight of (REDACTED), (REDACTED) and(REDACTED).

…

“With respect to (REDACTED).  (REDACTED) (REDACTED), as she is currently an administrative assistant for (REDACTED) according to available records, is receiving funds under (REDACTED), and is also working full-time as a County employee in the department responsible for oversight and payment of (REDACTED), the Board finds a conflict ….”             

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Maui Economic Development: Official Gets Paid Leave After Giving $1.4M to Friends and Family

Board of Ethics | Maui County, HI - Official Website