Do gifts include lunches and dinners that are not evenly exchanged?
Yes. It is important to first check with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission as to whether a gift of a meal can be accepted. If acceptance is allowed, the gift must be reported if: (1) the value of the gift exceeds the $200 threshold amount; (2) the recipient takes official action that may affect the donor of the gift; and (3) the gift is not covered by an exception to the reporting requirement. Gifts from one source that are valued in the aggregate of over $200 must be reported. For example, if, within the disclosure period, a legislator or employee is allowed to accept four meals from a donor, and the aggregate value of these meals exceeded $200, then the meals must be reported.
