Press Release: Councilmember Tom Cook Prepares for Board of Ethics Hearing, Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity and Service to the People of Maui County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 11, 2025

Councilmember Tom Cook Prepares for Board of Ethics Hearing, Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity and Service to the People of Maui County. 

Kihei, Maui – As the Board of Ethics hearing approaches tomorrow, Councilmember Tom Cook is speaking out to address the ongoing politically motivated libel that has targeted his professional and personal reputation, to reaffirm, his unwavering commitment to transparency and public service, and to emphasize that at no point has he violated the County of Maui’s Code of Ethics. Ahead of the hearing, Cook, in sharing this statement, seeks to clarify his professional record and address the personal toll of these unfounded allegations.

“When I was elected to the Maui County Council in 2022, I immediately sought a formal opinion from the Board of Ethics to ensure that my continued employment with LC Hauling LLC did not present any conflict of interest,” said Cook. “I wanted to ensure complete transparency and adherence to the County's ethical standards. The Board of Ethics issued an advisory opinion confirming that my work as a consultant for LC Hauling LLC was not in conflict with my duties as a Councilmember.”

On October 6, 2023, the Board of Ethics issued Advisory Opinion 23A-15, which found that Cook’s role as a member of the Maui County Council did not inherently conflict with his work as a consultant for LC Hauling LLC. The opinion noted that the nature of his employment did not pose any ethical violations under County rules. This decision was a critical affirmation of his commitment to ethics and transparency.

Despite this ruling, Cook has faced continuous attacks questioning his integrity. In response to a complaint filed with the Board of Ethics, the board issued an Advisory Opinion on Complaint No. 24-3 on September 4, 2024. The complainant raised hypothetical scenarios in which Cook could vote on matters related to LC Hauling LLC, such as in cases where the company might have an interest in a project when zoning changes or budget decisions could indirectly affect them. Importantly, the complainant did not cite any specific instance where Cook had violated ethical guidelines or voted on matters in which he had a direct interest. The complaint was based solely on potential conflicts rather than actual actions, further reinforcing the unfounded nature of the allegations.

“I want the people of Maui County to understand that these ongoing attacks on my character are politically motivated and are unsupported by any factual evidence. The Board of Ethics, both in their advisory opinion and in their review of the complaint, has found that my work with LC Hauling LLC has never violated County ethics rules,” Cook said. “I have always acted with honesty and transparency, and I will continue to adhere to the highest ethical standards in both my personal and professional life.”

Cook also clarified his role at LC Hauling LLC, emphasizing his position as a project estimator. “My work with LC Hauling LLC was strictly as a project estimator, where I assessed the cost of construction projects unrelated to County contracts or projects before the County Council for approval. At no time did I provide services that dealt with County of Maui projects or matters.”

“Throughout my 50 years of working in the construction industry on Maui, I have had the privilege of managing and contributing to many meaningful projects, including the 21 Turnkey Homes in Waiohuli for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and pre-cast solar carports for the University of Hawaii Maui College. My motivation has always been about delivering quality work and serving the community,” Cook continued. 

“I remain focused on the work that truly matters to the people of Maui,” Cook concluded. “I was elected to represent my community, advocate for responsible growth, improve our infrastructure, fight for affordable housing, and protect our island for future generations. These are the values I hold dear, and I will continue to work toward these goals with honesty, integrity, aloha, and dedication to our community.”

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Office of Councilmember Thomas Cook
Maui County Council – South Maui Residency Area Seat
Phone: (808) 270-7108
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://linktr.ee/tomcook

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