Judicial Council Seeks Applicants for Two Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission Vacancies

The Judicial Council is seeking applicants to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. The terms will run for four years from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030. Big Island County residents with an interest in public accountability should note the Feb. 13, 2026 deadline to apply.

The commission oversees ethical matters involving legislators, registered lobbyists and state employees, with judges handled separately by the Commission on Judicial Conduct. The five commission members are responsible for “investigating complaints, providing advisory opinions, and enforcing decisions issued by the Commission.” Membership carries a statutory restriction: the Hawaiʻi State Constitution prohibits members of the Ethics Commission “from taking an active part in political management or political campaigns.”

Service on the commission is voluntary, though “reasonable expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties, will be reimbursed.” Applicants must meet basic eligibility rules: they must be U.S. citizens, residents of the State of Hawaiʻi and “may not hold any other public office.” The Judicial Council’s announcement specifies the materials required to apply: “Interested persons should submit an application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation (attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity).”

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 13, 2026. The Judiciary provided multiple submission methods and contact points: “Applications must be post‑marked, e‑mailed, faxed, or hand delivered by February 13, 2026 to: Judicial Council Hawaiʻi Supreme Court 417 S. King Street Second Floor Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813‑2902 Fax: (808) 539‑4703 Email: chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov.” Application forms are available on the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary website or by calling Judicial Council support staff at 808-539-4702. For more information, the Communications and Community Relations Office can be reached at 808-539-4909 or pao@courts.hawaii.gov.

Appointments are made by the Governor from a list of two nominees for each vacancy that the Judicial Council forwards. The announcement did not identify which commission seats are opening or the reasons for the vacancies, nor did it provide a direct link to the application form.

For Big Island residents, the Ethics Commission’s composition matters because the body sets standards and issues advisory opinions that affect how state officials and registered lobbyists conduct themselves. Filling these two seats will shape enforcement and public guidance for the next four years. With the deadline days away, prospective applicants should obtain the application packet promptly and prepare the required résumé and three letters attesting to character and integrity. Journalists and civic watchdogs will look to the Judicial Council and the Governor for follow-up on nominees and appointments after submissions close.