News Clips

In times of emergency the Constitution is not suspended, in fact, it is needed even more for transparency and accountability. ...The public needs to be able to participate in government in order for democracy to continue to function. Government transparency and support of the public’s right to know are more, not less, critical during emergency situations.

Common Cause Hawaii is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. Transparency in government is key to a healthy and strong democracy. Common Cause Hawaii provides comments regarding the transparency of the April 2, 2020 General Business Meeting of the Board of Education (Board) and specifically Agenda Item III, Board Action on temporary rules of operation to conduct virtual board meetings.

Below is a letter from Sandy Ma, executive director of Common Cause Hawaii to the Maui County Council about ethics and transparency while emergency rules issued by Mayor Victorino to stay at home and work from home until April 30, 2020, similar to the entire State of Hawaii.