Make a Confidential/Anonymous Complaint

Instructions: Your complaint is important to us. Please read and follow the instructions carefully, completing each step so the Commission can thoroughly review and investigate the matter. Required fields are marked with (Required).

Who can we investigate? Our authority is limited to:

State elected officials
State employees
Members of state boards & commissions
Lobbyists and organizations that lobby at the state level

We are unable to investigate complaints against county or federal officials, judges, and complaints against private individuals and businesses such as:

City or County government officials (contact the Honolulu Ethics Commission or the corresponding ethics board for the County of Maui, County of Hawaiʻi, or County of Kauaʻi)
Private business disputes
Landlord/tenant issues
Complaints against judges and private practice attorneys
Unfair trade practices and consumer fraud complaints
Complaints against private medical doctors and health care providers
Civil rights and police misconduct claims
Employment-related claims (such as general harassment, discrimination, etc.)

Please see Related Resources for agencies that can be of assistance.

Acknowledgement

I understand and acknowledge:

Further investigation may be required to substantiate my complaint, and that lack of information or cooperation may limit the Commission’s ability to investigate the alleged violations.
Knowingly filing a false charge or statement may be a crime under Hawaiʻi law.
All complaints and investigations are kept confidential. However, if a matter proceeds to a formal hearing, certain information may become public as required by applicable law and legal process. When a complainant has raised confidentiality concerns, the Commission will generally attempt to work with the individual before taking steps that could reveal their identity.
Anonymous complaints are accepted. However, if the Commission cannot follow up with the complainant for additional information or clarification, it may be more difficult to verify the allegations and proceed with an investigation.

I acknowledge the above.(Required)

Yes

Who is your complaint about? Provide information about the person or entity who allegedly violated the State Ethics Code or the State Lobbyist Law

What is/was the alleged violator’s state role?(Required)

State government employee

State elected official

State board/commission member

Lobbyist or lobbying organization

None of the above

Alleged Violator's Information

Alleged Violator's Full Name(Required)

First Last

Alleged Violator's State Job Title or Position

Alleged Violator's State Agency/Board

Alleged Violator's Email

Lobbyist/Lobbying Organization Information

Name of Lobbyist or Lobbying Organization(Required)

Lobbyist/Lobbying Organization's Email

Are there other alleged violators?(Required)

Yes

No

Identify other alleged violators:

Full Name

Job Title

Email

State Agency/Board/Lobbying Organization Name

Advisement

Possible Jurisdiction Issue

Mahalo for contacting the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. Based on the information provided, this concern may fall outside our jurisdiction. The Commission generally handles matters involving state elected officials, state employees, state board and commission members, and state-level lobbyists. We do not handle complaints involving county or federal employees, private businesses, or individuals who do not have a state role or function. You may still submit this form so we can review the information and track the concern. Related Resources are available if you would like to explore other options.

Supporting Evidence

Identify any individuals who may have relevant knowledge regarding the alleged incident or event. Please also submit specific evidence that directly supports your complaint

Do you know if there are any witnesses or other source of information regarding the alleged incident or event?(Required)

Yes

No

I don't know

Witness Information

Enter information about other witnesses (full name, phone number, email address, job title, and department/organization).

Name of Witness(Required)

First Last

Witness' Phone Number

Witness' Email

Is the witness a state employee or state official?(Required)

Yes

No

I don't know

Witness' Job Title/Position

Name of Witness' State Agency or State Board

Are there any other witnesses?(Required)

Yes

No

Please enter the names of other witnesses (enter their full name, phone number, email address, job title, and department/organization).(Required)

Provide evidence that directly supports your complaint (such as emails, memos, photos, or other records). Multiple files may be submitted.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, pdf, jpg, gif, png, heic, txt, Max. file size: 2 GB.

Verification

I certify, under the penalty of law, that the information I am submitting in this form is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I understand that there are statutory penalties for filing a false complaint or charge under Hawaiʻi law.

I certify the above.(Required)

Yes