Thanks for the encouragement, terrenaut.
I thought readers of this message board might appreciate seeing an example of how I battle with the cult behind the scenes. I’m sure that Tulsi was not happy to be the subject of my ethics complaint and having to admit some embarrassing facts. Hopefully these facts will be useful to anyone challenging Tulsi in future elections. Tulsi Gabbard is still pretending to be a practicing Hindu rather than admitting to her upbringing in a Hare Krishna styled cult led by her Guru, Chris Butler. Many people are frustrated that the media has not reported on this essential piece of background information. The proof of her association with Butler and his disciples is not well hidden. Please read below how I was able to confirm that Tulsi Gabbard lived (lives?) rent free in a condo owned by a long-time follower of Butler. The same exchange below confirms that a business in her name was established and operated with cult money and cult labor.
My promise of more information on the money trail and Richard Bellord will have to wait for another day.
Chris Butler now looks a lot older than in this rare photo taken after his prime:
June 17, 2013
Aloha Xxxxx,
The Ethics Commission staff has concluded its investigation into your complaint and is not able to find sufficient evidence that Rep. Tulsi Gabbard received unlawful gifts or had conflicts of interest during her time as a City councilmember. [[[We reviewed the information you submitted and did not find that Rep. Gabbard took any action at Council affecting either the owner of the apartment where she lived or Kanu Productions, and there was no other tenant at the apartment.]]]
As a result, we will close this case subject to additional information.
This staff opinion is based on the facts and circumstances presented to us. If the material facts are not as stated or change, the opinion may no longer be valid and you should contact the Commission. In addition, the opinion is based on staff’s understanding of the ethics laws and prior Commission opinions. If you disagree with the staff opinion, you may request a review by the Commission itself. If a review is requested, submit the request in writing stating the reasons why you believe the staff opinion is in error. The request should be made within 5 days of the opinion.
Xxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Executive Director and Legal Counsel
Honolulu Ethics Commission
715 South King Street, Suite 211, Honolulu, HI 96813-3091
Hi Xxxxx,
As frequently occurs in our complaint cases, the subject of the complaint is asking for a copy of the complaint. We do not disclose the identity of complainants except in very limited circumstances which do not apply at this time. My intent is to send a copy of the complaint, your 3/10/13 email below after redacting your name and email address.
My question to you is whether there is any other information stated in the email that you believe would identify you. Please let me know by May 10, 2013.
Thank you.
Xxxxx
Aloha Xxxxx:
I sincerely appreciate your follow-up on this important matter. Thank you for the explanation and for your willingness to review additional information. Tulsi Gabbard has received other gifts and financial assistance which might be easier for you to research. First let me point to her financial disclosure submitted as a requirement of the office of City Council member. ("Disclosure of Financial Interests" with the Honolulu City Clerk's Office.)
[
www.hcssc.net]
Tamayo (Gabbard) claimed to live at Kukui Plaza in Honolulu. The address on her Organization Report is:
Xx S. Kukui Street, Dxxxx Honolulu, HI 96813
Honolulu real property records indicate this property is owned by Francis P Martin (non-homeowner). It is a condo owned by Francis P. Martin who is a fellow Hare Krishna and owner of several "cult" business employing many Hare Krishnas. Tulsi paid no rent for this under-the-table assistance. Most of us on Oahu must pay rent or a mortgage. Why not Tulsi? This same address is listed as the office of Kanu Productions and the business records indicate that Tulsi is the Registrant.
[
hbe.ehawaii.gov]
[
www.kanuproductions.com]
Kanu Productions owns very expensive professional cameras worth tens of thousands of dollars, yet Tulsi’s disclosure stated she had no assets with which to buy the cameras. Richard Lowther of Kailua works as a cameraman at Kanu Productions and is aware of the financial transaction. Chris Butler of Lanikai paid for the cameras plus web development and hosting service for Tulsi’s web site: www.kanuproductions.com
Let me be clear that Tulsi has accepted money and favors for years believing that she is “serving Krishna”. This is unethical and unacceptable. I hope you agree that these violations are serious enough to publically reprimand Tulsi Gabbard.
Please let me know if I can assist you with any further information.
Sincerely, Xxxxx Xxxxx
Francis (Frank) Martin; free rent for fellow cult member Tulsi Gabbard
John Rogers; business associate of Frank Martin, friend of the Gabbard family and disciple of Chris Butler.
Richard Lowther, Kanu Productions and disciple of Chris Butler
Dear Mr. Xxxx,
Thank you for concerns raised regarding possible ethics violations.
Regarding former Councilmember Gabbard's campaign contributions, lawful campaign contributions are not considered gifts under Revised Charter of Honolulu Sec. 11-102.1(a). Therefore, there is no violation under that section.
I have reviewed the web links you provided and do not find that they provide sufficient information upon which to base a finding of probable cause of an ethics violation. Therefore, the Commission will close this matter, subject to opening should additional information be provided. For example, if you have information pertaining to gifts or other matters that may raise conflicts of interest, please let us know. …
Hi Xxxx,
We're reviewing your complaint against Councilmember Gabbard.
First, I need to inform you about a legal limitation affecting this matter. Under current law, giving a lawful campaign contribution to a candidate for office does not create a conflict of interest for which a councilmember has to disclose the contributor. See, Revised Charter of Honolulu Sec. 11-102.1(a)
[
www1.honolulu.gov]
and Advisory Opinion No. 76,
[
www1.honolulu.gov]
This advisory opinion is from 1977 and I do not know whether the current Commission would be convinced by its reasoning. But, for now, it is the interpretation I have to follow.
Second, the connection between the people you name in your email and CM Gabbard is not clear. For example, I could not find any testimony or comments submitted by those you named in your email on the City web site for Resolution 12-57, [
www4.honolulu.gov]
It would be helpful to have more concrete information about the supporters of Reso 12-57 and CM Gabbard, such as whether they have close family or personal relationships or financial interests or business activities in common.
I would appreciate any information you can offer.
Thanks,
Xxxx
Executive Director and Legal Counsel
Honolulu Ethics Commission
Subject: Possible Ethics Violation
Dear Mr. Xxxx:
On May 9, 2012, the Honolulu City Council passed Resolution 12-57. Introduced by Honolulu City Councilmember Tulsi Gabbard, this resolution urges the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require labeling of genetically engineered (GMO) food.
Did Tulsi Gabbard report her Conflicts of Interest or abstain from voting as required by law? “Down to Earth” have directly and indirectly contributed to Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign for her current office and she has received the majority of her funding from those who stand to benefit most from this resolution. Her personal and family history with “Down to Earth” is long and deep and is alleged to include receipt of gifts and in-kind donations. Public support from Down to Earth on this issue (see links below) undoubtedly influenced passage. This business, its affiliates and associated people including Mark Fergusson, Joseph Bismark, and Chris Butler have been accused of labor and health violations as well as discrimination. My point is not to question the resolution, rather to address the possible ethical violation and to ask if her fellow Councilmembers were made aware of the potential conflict.
Thank you.
[
www.downtoearth.org]
[
www.dailykos.com]
[
forum.culteducation.com]