Hawaii House creates panel to improve standards of conduct

HONOLULU — The state House of Representatives on Thursday created a commission that will recommend how to boost the effectiveness of state ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws after two former lawmakers earlier this week pleaded guilty in connection with their acceptance of bribes.

The lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution asking the commission to provide an interim report to the House by March 31 and a final report by Dec. 1.

Former state Rep. Ty Cullen and former state Sen. Kalani English on Tuesday pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud. They admitted accepting envelopes of cash and other bribes from a business owner in exchange for shaping legislation while in office.

Both Democrats held powerful positions in their respective chambers. Cullen was vice chairperson of the House Finance Committee. English was Senate majority leader. They are scheduled to be sentenced on July 5.

The resolution asks the commission to review and assess state laws and rules relating to standards of conduct for public officers and employees. It asks the panel to ensure these laws and rules contain clear standards, enforcement and penalties.

It asks the commission to recommend ways to increase awareness of, and compliance with, these laws and rules.