The Office of Information Practices ruled that Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson Kali Watson violated Hawaii’s Sunshine Law by discussing board business outside of public meetings regarding a Waipouli property acquisition.
- Chair Kali Watson and two commissioners illegally discussed the failed Waipouli property acquisition during a meeting recess in January 2024.
- Watson sent a text message to another commissioner seeking their vote support before a special meeting, which violated transparency laws.
- The Commission scheduled a special meeting on January 26, 2024 to reconsider the Courtyards at Waipouli acquisition.
- Commissioners self-reported the violations to their deputy attorney general and disclosed them publicly to mitigate potential harm.
- OIP determined Watson’s voicemail to a member did not violate the law as it fell under permitted two-person interactions.
Source: Hawaii Free Press
Share this article
