STATE ETHICS COMMISSION ISSUES DECISION AFFIRMING NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND ORDER AGAINST BRENTON AWA, REQ-2024-0222

STATE ETHICS COMMISSION ISSUES DECISION AFFIRMING
NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND ORDER AGAINST BRENTON AWA, REQ-2024-0222
The Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission announced that it has affirmed a Notice of
Violation and Order against Senator Brenton Awa (District 23) for violating the Fair
Treatment law of the State Ethics Code. The Fair Treatment law prohibits state officials
and employees from using state resources for political campaign purposes.
The original Notice of Violation and Order, issued on August 20, 2025, found that
Senator Awa used state resources—including his state office, state staff, and state time—to
film a video supporting a political campaign. Senator Awa contested the Notice and
requested a hearing. The Commission held a public, livestreamed hearing on November 3,
2025.
After considering the evidence and arguments presented, the Commission upheld
its original determination and found that Senator Awa violated the Fair Treatment law. The
Commission also affirmed the administrative fine of $999.99 previously imposed in the
Notice and Order.
The decision is available at: https://files.hawaii.gov/ethics/advice/DEC2025-1.pdf