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In Hawaii, where construction and development interests wield strong influence, first-term state Rep. Micah Aiu’s job outside the Legislature could be seen as problematic.

John Pelissero, an expert on government ethics, said it is common for lawmakers at part-time Legislatures to encounter issues in their government jobs that relate to their private employment. Legally speaking, Aiu’s situation is not a conflict of interest, he agreed.

“The issue here really is one of perception,” said Pelissero.

“It’s not that what goes on isn’t legal. It’s that it appears that the individual may be serving a private or a political interest rather than the public’s interest in the way they are conducting themselves as a state legislator,” Pelissero said.

The prudent response is for elected officials to recuse themselves from voting or initiating legislation that potentially benefits their employers. Another option is for a lawmaker to publicly flag any vote that may benefit his employer to promote transparency, Pelissero said.

John Pelissero, senior scholar, government ethics, quoted by Honolulu Civil Beat.