The Arc in Hawaii

“Lambert Wai and Francine Wai have a family relationship.”

“The organization has general members that elect the Board of Directors.”

“There is one class of general membership. They have the right to elect the Board of Directors and approve certain decisions.”

“State law requires approval by the members of amendment of the articles of incorporation, mergers, sales of assets other than in the regular course of activities, and dissolution. The bylaws of the organization require that any amendment of the bylaws be approved by a majority votes of the members qualified to vote present in person at a meeting of the members.”

“The Arc in Hawaii is located on the island of Oahu and is designated the "state" chapter of the national association of The Arc. Affiliated chapters are located on the other islands of the state. Each of these organizations is separately incorporated and operates independently. There is no overlap of governance or operations, apart from having the common goal of serving people with intellectual disabilities.”

“Pursuant to policy established by the Board of Directors, information required by Form 990 relative to officers and directors is obtained from the officers and directors. That information, other nonfinancial data and financial information from the agency's audited financial statements are combined in a draft of the Form 990 prepared by an outside certified public accountant. Several directors, including the Treasurer and President, along with the Executive Director and Finance Director review the draft in detail and revise as appropriate. Once the detailed review is completed, the Form 990 is sent to each Board Member by electronic or paper copy to allow for additional review, comment and recommendations. Pursuant to policy, the final return is then approved by the full Board of Directors or its Executive/Finance Committee prior to being filed with the IRS. Filing of this year's return was approved by the full Board of Directors at a regular meeting of the Board.”

“A Conflict of Interest questionnaire is completed annually by all Directors along with the Executive Director and Director of Finance. It includes information about business affiliates. A listing of these affiliates is made and reviewed to determine if the organization has business transactions with any of these individuals and or affiliates. If a director or officer proposes to engage in or has an interest in such transactions, the director or officer is recused from discussion and decisions about the transaction.”

“Compensation for the Executive Director is determined as follows: A search is conducted for candidates for the position. Salary history and requirements are ascertained from all candidates. The search committee consults at least two 3rd party surveys of comparable salary levels (Hawaii Employers Council and Honolulu Advertiser) to ascertain that the proposed compensation is within the range of compensation for comparable positions in Hawaii. This information is provided to the Board of Directors who approve the hiring and compensation levels.”

“The organization's financial statements are available to the general public via posting of the Form 990 on the State Attorney General's website for Charitable Organizations. The Form 990 may also be available on other websites such as Guidestar. The governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financials are also available upon request at the organization's administrative office.”