Both the State Ethics Commission and the Campaign Spending Commission have upcoming vacancies, and the Judicial Council is trying to drum up last minute applicants.

Applications are available online. Those appointed will be eligible to serve 4-year terms.

The problem is that time is short. Applications, along with three letters of reference, must be postmarked by February 29.

From the Judiciary web site:

The Ethics Commission addresses ethical issues involving legislators, registered lobbyists, and state employees (with the exception of judges, who are governed by the Commission on Judicial Conduct). The five commission members are responsible for investigating complaints, providing advisory opinions, and enforcing decisions issued by the Commission. The Hawai`i State Constitution prohibits members of the Ethics Commission “from taking an active part in political management or political campaigns.”

The primary duty of the five members of the Campaign Spending Commission is to supervise campaign contributions and expenditures. Commissioners may not participate in political campaigns or contribute to candidates or political committees. The Judicial Council will appoint a panel of nominees, from which the Governor will select to fill current vacancies on the Commission.

Interested persons should submit an application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation (attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity) postmarked by February 29, 2012 to: Judicial Council, Hawai`i Supreme Court, 417 S. King Street, Second Floor, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813-2902.

It’s a great opportunity to learn a lot more about ethics and campaign issues.

Pass it on.