FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2025
County of Maui Board of Ethics Confirms No Action Warranted in Repetitive Complaints Filed Against Councilmember Cook
Kihei, Maui – During its meeting on November 12, 2025, the County of Maui Board of Ethics voted in executive session to decline to process two new complaints (Complaint Nos. 25-13 and 25-17) filed against Councilmember Tom Cook. The Board’s actions reaffirmed that the allegations were repetitive, speculative, and unsupported by facts.
The Board found that Complaint No. 25-13 contained allegations identical to those previously reviewed and resolved. In a 6-0 vote, the decision to decline processing was based on three specific grounds:
- Pursuant to Board Rule §04-101-63: the complaint repeated allegations already discussed in prior proceedings.
- The complaint was speculative and not based on factual circumstances.
- Councilmember Cook had previously sought and obtained a formal advisory opinion (Advisory Opinion 23A-15) from the Board of Ethics. Under County Charter Article 10, Section 10-2.5, any officer or employee who acts in accordance with an advisory opinion “shall not be held liable for violating this article.”
For Complaint No. 25-17, in a 6-0 vote, the Board likewise determined that the claims were duplicative of prior matters and did not introduce any new or factual information.
“I appreciate the Board of Ethics for once again reviewing these matters carefully and upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” said Councilmember Tom Cook. “This decision reaffirms what has been clear from the start; that I have acted in full compliance with the County’s Code of Ethics and with complete transparency in my service to the people of Maui County.”
Cook continued, “It’s unfortunate that political attacks continue to come in the form of repetitive, baseless complaints. But my focus remains where it belongs: on rebuilding, strengthening, and serving our Maui County community with aloha, accountability, and integrity.”
The November 12 decision marks the second time the Board of Ethics has reviewed and declined to act on similar allegations regarding Councilmember Cook’s professional background and consulting work, each time citing the absence of factual evidence or ethical violations.
“I ran for public office to serve my neighbors and ensure South Maui has a strong, responsible voice in shaping our island’s future,” Cook said. “That commitment has not changed. I will continue to focus on improving infrastructure, supporting affordable housing, and protecting Maui County for future generations: with honesty, integrity, and aloha.”
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: Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us
Website: https://linktr.ee/tomcook
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This press release is a follow-up to a statement issued on November 11, 2025, which can be found here: https://bit.ly/TomCookPressRelease11-11-2025
