Minutes for July 11, 2007

Campaign Spending Commission Meeting
Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building, Room 204
July 11, 2007
10:00 a.m.

Members Present:
Paul Kuramoto, Steven Olbrich, Gino Gabrio, Dean Robb
Excused – Michael Weaver

Staff Present:
Barbara Wong, Tony Baldomero, Grant Tanimoto, Ellen Kojima

Call to Order:
Meeting convened at 10:05 a.m. with Chairperson Kuramoto presiding.

Consideration of Minutes:
Mr. Gabrio moved to accept the minutes of June 13, 2007.  Motion seconded by Mr. Robb.  Motion carried.  (Olbrich-abstained)

Old Business:
Docket 07-01 Green Party of Hawaii vs. Hawaii Chapter of Society of Prof Journalists, et al.

Staff recommended upon the request of Jim Brewer and Commissioners agreed, to defer matter until the August 8 meeting.

New Business:
Conciliation Agreement 07-14 Bryan Baptiste and Friends of Bryan Baptiste
Review of candidate disclosure reports found that the Friends of Bryan Baptiste committee and Bryan Baptiste made excess contributions of $17,226 to various community organizations, including 7 community contributions between filing of nomination papers and the general election.  Staff recommended and the Baptiste committee agreed to a fine of $6,000.

After discussion regarding the assessment of fines for excess contributions to community organizations, commissioners agreed that candidates should be on notice that henceforth the commission will be more viligant about enforcing the law regarding community organization contributions.  Fines will increase and the Commission may require candidates to reimburse from personal funds.

Mr. Robb moved to approve the conciliation agreement.  Motion seconded by Mr. Olbrich.  Motion carried.

Communication to Commission:
Legislation Update

HB 1130 has been signed into law as Act 200.

3-Year Backlog – Discrepancy letters outstanding
60 still outstanding and working with candidates to bring reports into compliance.

Strategic Plan Timeline and Brochure
Timeline mapped out and developing a brochure for distribution.

Training Modules
Training has been revamped into 4 training modules.  Training classes have been scheduled for November with follow-up training in February and July 2008.

2009 National Trends in Campaign Finance Law Forum
Forum to be held on October 9 or 16, 2009 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Possible speakers include Bob Stern (Center on Governmental Studies) Paul Ryan, Darren Lim and someone from the Federal Election Commission.

Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Olbrich moved to convene executive session to discuss personnel matters and to consult with attorney.  Motion seconded by Mr. Robb.  Motion carried.

Public session reconvened.
Mr. Olbrich moved to adjourn meeting.  Motion seconded by Mr. Robb.  Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.