Minutes for January 14, 2004
Campaign Spending Commission Meeting
Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building, Room 204
January 14, 2004
10:00 a.m.
Members Present:
A. Duane Black, Mona Chock, Steven Olbrich, Gino Gabrio, Paul Kuramoto
Staff Present:
Robert Watada, Ellen Kojima
Russell Suzuki, Deputy Attorney General
Call to Order:
Meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. with Chairman Black presiding.
Communication to Commission:
Hawaii Right to Life vs. CSC
Hawaii Right to Life filed a suit claiming the Hawaii law on "electioneering communication" was unconstitutional. Plaintiff argued that their fundraising letter which included a voter guide setting forth candidate positions on certain issues and a radio ad promoting the voter guide was issue advocacy and did not need to be disclosed. Deputy AG Gary Kam, on behalf of the commission argued that any communication direct or indirect that meets the Furgatch test for express advocacy would need to be reported.
On 12/9/03, Judge Kevin Chang denied the Plaintiff's motion to declare the Hawaii law on "electioneering communication" unconstitutional. Plaintiff indicated they will appeal to the 9th Circuit.
Chairman called to convene executive session to consult with counsel on agenda matter 4.
Public session reconvened-
Matsumoto Request
Mr. Watada informed commissioners that Mr. Matsumoto (SSFM) has requested that he be allowed an additional 3 years for a total of 6 years to pay the administrative fine that he was assessed. He is saying that the current monthly payment is a hardship and that the additional 3 years will make the payments easier on him financially.
Commissioners asked that Mr. Watada request to review Mr. Matsumoto's financial statement. Also, that after his review if he feels that Mr. Matsumoto is able to, that Mr. Watada propose that Mr. Matsumoto make a substantial payment before the payment period is extended.
Mr. Gabrio moved that the commission gives Mr. Watada the latitude and authority to enter into an extension agreement with Mr. Matsumoto after review of financial statement, and if he believes that Mr. Matsumoto can make an up front payment he has the authority to extend the payment period up to 6 years. Mr. Kuramoto seconded. Motion carried.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.
No further business to discuss Chairman Black adjourned meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
