Right Change: Federal Government: “Economic Times Are Tough, Let’s Go to Maui!”

The Federal Government seems to have problems learning from its own mistakes. Didn’t we just hear all about the General Services Administration (GSA) and their $800K party in Las Vegas? So what response does the next bureaucratic group set to attend a conference offer? Let’s go to Maui to the tune of over $1 million. Well enough is enough.

The 2012 9th-Circuit Judicial Conference is scheduled for August 11-16 at the luxurious Hyatt Maui Regency Resort and Spa, an accommodation that charges between $230 and $250 a night for the more than 700 conference attendees. Coupled with the travel from the circuit’s western states to the island and a $289-$433 per diem for court employees and judges and the total bill could very easily surpass the GSA’s binge in Vegas. 

In fairness to the 9th-Circuit, let us look at the schedule of events for this annual conference. A close inspection finds maybe one or two events that remotely look like something critical to the continuing education of our legal professionals; golf and tennis tournaments, yoga, floral design workshops? And what on earth is the “Aloha Experience?” Sounds like more governmental waste in a time when there is no extra money to waste.

An inspection of this circuit’s recent history of conference destinations reveals a pattern of lavish experiences in exotic locales. This is the fourth time in the past decade this group has been to Hawaii. Are there no resorts big enough to handle this group on the mainland? Or are those locations too common-folk for these people? 

Republican senators Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Charles Grassley of Iowa are calling the 9th Circuit on the carpet. The two wrote to the circuit’s chief judge, Alex Kozinski, asking for disclosure on the conference expenses. “While the [conference] site makes it clear that government funds are not to be used for any recreational or sporting activities and that court-related matters will be substantially considered, the program reads more like a vacation than a business trip to discuss the means of improving the administration of justice,” the letter states. At least someone is looking out for the American taxpayer.

One would think an official letter from two senators and loads of bad publicity would cause the 9th Circuit to rethink their budget for this summer’s event. Not so much. 

“As part of the Third Branch of government, the Ninth Circuit is fully aware of its responsibilities as a steward of public funds. The conference is authorized by law “for the purpose of considering the business of the courts and advising means of improving the administration of justice within the circuit.” [§ 28 U.S.C. Sec. 333] The conference fully adheres to these goals, providing an exceptional educational program and the opportunity to conduct numerous business meetings that further circuit governance. Judges and other attendees take seriously their obligation to participate fully in the conference. Costs for lodging and air travel to attend the conference are comparative to those found at mainland venues. Any sporting and recreational activities are paid for by individuals and are not reimbursable.”

The 9th-Circuit Judicial Conference is an invitation-only operation that includes judges from the circuit, the federal districts of nine western states, two Pacific Island territories and members of the federal bar practicing in those areas, court staff and special guests, which include Supreme Court Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Anthony M. Kennedy. Is this really the type of event our government should be sponsoring, especially in these economic times? This conference comes across as a fraternity party where the members saved all year only to splurge on the end-of-the-year party of the century. There’s only one problem: this isn’t their money. The American people are tired of funding these “conferences.” Hopefully, Senator Sessions and Senator Grassley can speak on our behalf. Isn’t this the way Congress is supposed to work?

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