A new law prohibiting nepotism becomes effective July 11, 2023 and applies to all state employees (except those working for the legislative and judicial branches), which includes RCUH employees. Among other things, the law prohibits:

• taking any employment action (e.g., interview, hire, supervise, evaluate, promote, demote, retain, terminate) affecting a relative or household member
• awarding of or administering/supervising contracts to businesses owned by relatives or household members

More information can be found in the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission, “The State Ethics Code – A Quick Guide to the Nepotism Law.”

If  you or your project is affected by this new law, please contact the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission at (808) 587-0460 or [email protected] for further information on how to resolve the situation or seek a good cause exemption. Please keep the respective RCUH department (i.e., Human Resources or Finance – Procurement) apprised of any action to be taken.