Minutes for May 29, 2002
Campaign Spending Commission Meeting
Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building, Room 204
May 29, 2002
3:00 p.m.
Members Present:
A. Duane Black, Della Au Belatti, Mona Chock, Richard Choy
Staff Present:
Robert Watada, Jon Itomura, Ellen Kojima
Gary Kam, Deputy Attorney General
Call to Order:
Meeting convened at 3:00 p.m. with Chairman Black presiding.
Consideration of Minutes:
Ms. Belatti moved to accept the minutes of April 17, 2002 as amended, Ms. Chock seconded. Motion carried.
(Amendment - to include motion - Ms. Chock moved to convene executive session to clarify question on whether a complaint could be withdrawn, Mr. Choy seconded. No action taken)
Ms. Belatti moved to accept the minutes of May 1, 2002, Ms. Chock seconded. Motion carried.
Ms. Belatti moved to amend the agenda to delete from New Business the discussion and consideration of Conciliation Agreement #02-11, Ms. Chock seconded. Motion carried
New Business:
Conciliation Agreement #02-07 Sato & Associates, Inc. and Richard Sato
The investigation of Sato & Associates found that the company and Mr. Sato made excess contributions of $2,000 to Harris and $1,400 to Apana. Mr. Sato has agreed to a fine of $1,000 or $500 for each of the excess contributions.
Ms. Chock moved to accept the conciliation agreement with Sato & Associates and Richard Sato, Mr. Choy seconded. Motion carried.
Conciliation Agreement #02-08 Brownlie & Lee, Ben lee, Inc., Richard Brownlie & Benedict Lee
The investigation found that the company and the partners made excess contributions of $450 to Harris and $1,500 to Cayetano. Mr. Brownlie has agreed to a fine of $1,000 or $500 for each of the excess contributions.
Ms. Chock moved to accept the conciliation agreement with Brownlie & Lee, Mr. Choy seconded. Motion carried.
Draft Advisory Opinion #02-02 Contributions from Republic of Palau
Question was raised as to whether it was allowable to receive a contribution from an individual from Palau. As the Federal Election Commission recognizes Palau as a foreign nation, draft advisory opinion advises that receiving a contribution from a citizen of Palau would be in violation of section 11-204(j), HRS.
Ms. Belatti moved to adopt draft Advisory Opinion #02-02, Ms. Chock seconded. Motion carried.
Draft Advisory Opinion #02-03 Disclosure of Food and Sundry Items Sold
Because campaigns sell items for a nominal fee at public events questions were raised as to what degree records need to be kept for items that are sold, such as food and sundry items. The law specifies that records be kept of contributions of more than $25. Draft advisory opinion advises as the law specifies that records be kept of individuals who purchase more than $25.
Ms. Chock moved to adopt draft Advisory Opinion #02-03, Ms. Belatti seconded. Motion carried.
(Aye - Black, Belatti, Chock No - Choy)
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2002 at 3:00 p.m.
No further business to discuss, Chair Black adjourned meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
