What is an advisory opinion?  An advisory opinion is an opinion rendered by the Commission pursuant to a request as to whether the facts and circumstances of a particular case constitute or will constitute a violation of the State Ethics Code or the Lobbyists Law.  Advisory opinions concerning the State Ethics Code may be requested by a state legislator, employee, board or commission member, or person formerly holding such office.  Advisory opinions concerning the Lobbyists Law may be requested by a lobbyist, organization that employs or contracts for the services of a lobbyist, or any other person subject to Chapter 97, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

What is an informal advisory opinion?  An informal advisory opinion is an advisory opinion rendered by the Commission after receipt or initiation of a charge concerning alleged violations of the State Ethics Code or the Lobbyists Law. 

What is a decision?  A decision refers to the written conclusions of the Commission, rendered after a contested hearing on a charge.

Publication of advisory opinions, informal advisory opinions, and decisions.  The Commission is required by law to publish summaries of its advisory opinions, informal advisory opinions, and decisions.  The Commission is required to make sufficient deletions in the summaries to prevent disclosing the identities of persons involved, where their identities are not otherwise a matter of public record.