Ethics complaint #2, asserting Councilmember Tom Cook, violated Maui code of ethics. Sign Maui Board of Ethics Petition Here
HEARING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13 AT 12:30 PM.
Who Benefits from Councilmember Cook's consulting role with LC Hauling, a position for which he receives $96,000 annually? His record shows a consistent pattern of voting for profitable luxury development over community needs.
The matter first came before the Board of Ethics on August 29th, 2023, when Councilmember Cook himself submitted a letter detailing the nature of his duties and compensation. At that time, the Board's decision was notably limited and was advised by Maui Corporation Counsil whose job is to support councilmembers. They ruled that Cook must recuse himself from any matters directly involving LC Hauling and prohibited him from representing the company before Council.
Crucially, the Board did not mandate the disclosure of LC Hauling's clients, nor did it require Councilmember Cook to recuse himself from actions affecting developers who might be serviced by LC Hauling.
Johann Lall submitted a formal complaint to the Board of Ethics on January 2024. specifically citing County Charter Section 10-4, urging the Board to require Councilmember Cook to disclose all his clients through LC Hauling and to recuse himself from any official actions that could benefit those companies. As an example, "change in zoning" where developers, potentially clients of LC Hauling, could significantly gain from Council decisions.
Johann Lall: Complaint #2: Conflict of Interest Disclosure (click 2 times}
The Ethics Board ignored the most important prohibition in 10-4, the one against conflict of interest. They did not address the conflict between Cook’s employment at LC Hauling for $96,000 per year servicing developers with his role as a Councilmember regulating developers. He was not required to disclose his clients including sub-contractors or recuse from official actions that they could benefit from.
This complaint remains vital because the core conflict has been repeatedly ignored. The fundamental principle of Council Members serving the public demands their duties be uncompromised by potential conflicts arising from private employment. The current rulings, fall short of ensuring this ethical standard
Mr. Cook must immediately recuse himself from any and all matters regarding any real estate development projects which come before the Maui County Council. He also must be removed as the Chairman of the Water and Infrastructure Committee.