Sunshine Law Violation Sparks Call for Chair's Removal

In a contentious government meeting held on September 18, 2024, significant procedural issues were raised regarding compliance with Hawaii's Sunshine Law. The meeting was marked by heated exchanges among commissioners, particularly concerning the validity of motions passed during a previous meeting on August 27, 2024, which were deemed void due to a broken link that prevented public access.

The Office of Information Practices had sent a letter requesting a response to a complaint about the non-functional link, highlighting a violation of Chapter 92 of the Hawaii Sunshine Law. The commission's legal counsel concluded that the agenda did not meet legal requirements, leading to the recommendation that all motions from the August meeting be treated as null and void. This recommendation was supported by a motion from a commissioner, which was seconded and subsequently discussed.

During the meeting, tensions escalated as some members accused the chair, Mike Curtis, of ignoring procedural rules and failing to address the link issue promptly. Public testimony revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Curtis's leadership, with calls for his removal due to alleged repeated violations of the Sunshine Law. Testifiers emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to legal protocols, urging the commission to take decisive action to restore public trust.

The meeting concluded with plans to revisit the voided motions at the next scheduled meeting on December 18, 2024, where public testimony will again be solicited. The commission aims to ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law moving forward, as they navigate the implications of the recent procedural missteps.