The Maui County Board of Ethics is experiencing a significant increase in its workload, according to a recent report by Maui Now. The office, now bolstered with its own staff following a voter-approved charter amendment, has seen a considerable rise in the volume of inquiries it's handling. This surge, observed during the first 100 days of the new office, has prompted Executive Director to advocate for increased staffing in the forthcoming 2026-27 fiscal year budget.
The heightened activity comes at a time of increased scrutiny on government ethics, with the public and stakeholders alike demanding greater transparency and accountability. The recent establishment of a dedicated staff, including an executive director, investigator, and administrative assistant, as mandated by the charter amendment passed in November 2024, has allowed the board to more effectively address ethics-related concerns. The Maui News reported in April 2025 on the details of the charter amendment. The amendment was created in the wake of former Maui County official Stewart Olani Stant's sentencing to 10 years in prison for bribery, which underlines the importance of a vigilant ethics board. The ability of the board to provide timely advice and conduct independent investigations is now enhanced, as it no longer relies exclusively on the county's corporation counsel, who also advises other departments, as they did previously.
The expanded scope of work reflects a growing awareness of ethical guidelines among county employees. For instance, the board can now act rapidly on requests instead of having to wait for board meetings. Civil Beat noted in June 2025 how vital it is for ethics boards to have full-time staff, which is now implemented in Maui. The anticipated staff expansion, if approved, will provide further resources to aid in the effective administration of ethical standards in Maui County, encouraging confidence and transparency in governmental affairs.
