07/01/24 Mayor signs bill limiting gifts to City employees

Mayor signs bill limiting gifts to City employees

HONOLULU - In a ceremony held at Honolulu Hale on Monday, Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 23 (2024) into law, prohibiting gifts to City officers and employees valued at more than $50. Previously, gifts to City officers and employees worth up to $200 were allowed during a single fiscal year.

"We have said from day one that we want to rebuild trust and confidence in local government," said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. "Signing this bill is one more step we are taking toward restoring that trust."

Bill 23's primary purpose is to prohibit City employees from soliciting, accepting or receiving gifts from lobbyists or any person with a financial relationship with the City. However, the bill also further strengthens and clarifies City gift laws to prevent confusion among City employees and the public at large.

"The City and County of Honolulu shall maintain the integrity of its officers and employees and assure the public that such officers and employees are above reproach and not subject to influence by City vendors, clients, or others," the bill reads. "They, as agents of public purpose, shall faithfully discharge their duties regardless of personal considerations and with no expectation of gift, gratuity, reward, or other thing of value, unless exempted."

There are some exceptions to the gift-giving rules, including gifts from family members, flowers to express condolences, lei, or gifts received during diplomatic exchanges between cities, counties, states or countries.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission originally drafted this legislation and, in June of 2024, the Honolulu City Council passed the bill in a unanimous 9-0 vote.