Minutes for May 9, 2007

Campaign Spending Commission Meeting
Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building, Room 204
May 9, 2007
10:00 a.m.

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

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

Call to Order:
Meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. with Chairperson Kuramoto presiding.

Consideration of Minutes:
Mr. Gabrio moved to accept the minutes of April 11, 2007 as amended (Page 1-New Business-changed Ms. to Executive Director).  Motion seconded by Mr. Weaver.  Motion carried.

Old Business:
Advisory Opinion 03-01 Modification
Mr. Gabrio moved to defer until the next meeting when all members are present for discussion.  Motion seconded by Mr. Weaver.  Motion carried.

New Business:
Conciliation Agreement 07-13  Brian Taniguchi and Friends for Brian Taniguchi
The review of candidate disclosure reports found that the Friends for Brian Taniguchi committee and Brian Taniguchi made excess contributions of $2,945 to various community organizations.  Senator Taniguchi has taken responsibility for the oversight and has been very cooperative during the inquiry.  Staff recommends a fine of $750.

Mr. Gabrio expressed concern that the recommended fine is not sufficient, and that the fine should be at least the amount of the excess contributions, otherwise the candidate and the community organizations still benefit from the contribution.

Mr. Weaver moved to defer matter until the next meeting.  Motion seconded by Mr. Gabrio.  Motion carried.

Communication to Commission:
Legislation Update
HB 1130 passed and has been transmitted to the Governor for her signature.

Candidate Filing System FAQs
The FAQs for the candidate filing system have been posted.  Currently updating the candidate system and working on the development of a web-based filing system for noncandidate committees.

Hawaii State Tax Form
For a better understanding of the Hawaii election campaign fund, worked with the Tax Department on changing the wording on the tax form regarding the fund.

Recodification
Compiling legislative history and developing a first draft in time for the first meeting in September.

Tavares Litigation Update
Hearing on Complaint for Declaratory Judgment and Motion for Preliminary Injunction regarding 11-204(b) interpretation held on Friday, May 4 on Maui.  We will await Judge’s order to determine our next step.

Disclosure Report Outstanding Responses
Of the 234 letters that were sent, 62 are still outstanding.  Another reminder letter to be sent.

Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Weaver moved to adjourn meeting.  Motion seconded by Mr. Gabrio.  Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.