The Monday article on the front page entitled “County prevails in executive session suit,” should have clarified that though the Office of Information Practices has not released any newly-generated, formal opinions since the departure of former Director Les Kondo, it
The Monday article on the front page entitled “County prevails in executive session suit,” should have clarified that though the Office of Information Practices has not released any newly-generated, formal opinions since the departure of former Director Les Kondo, it has released informal memorandums.
Formal opinions are published and distributed to government agencies and other persons or entities requesting copies, according to OIP Staff Attorney Cathy Takase. They are also made available on OIP’s Web site.
Formal opinions address issues that are novel or controversial, that require complex legal analysis, or that involve specific records.
The OIP’s informal opinions, or memorandum opinions, are public records that are not circulated. The opinions are deemed to be of more limited guidance because they address issues that have already been more fully addressed in formal opinions, or because their factual basis limits their general applicability. These opinions generally provide less detailed legal discussion.
The OIP issued an informal memorandum opinion Jan. 28, in which it reviewed ethics complaints discussed in a Kauai County Council executive meeting and the effect of the County Charter has on open meeting exceptions.
