Maui Farmer Support Network (“MFSN”) requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of MFSN, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

Reporting Responsibility

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that MFSN can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions that may occur. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers  (“MFSN Team Member”) to report concerns about violations of MFSN’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern MFSN’s operations.

 

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of MFSN for anyone to retaliate against any MFSN Team Member or community member who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of MFSN. Any MFSN Team Member who intimidates or retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline, up to and including termination of their duties, employment, or other engagement with MFSN.

 

Reporting Procedure

MFSN has an open door policy and suggests that employees and volunteers share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Compliance Officer, Executive Director, or a board member. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the MFSN’s Compliance Officer, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing or verbally directly to their supervisor, Executive Director or the organization’s Compliance Officer. MFSN board members and officers are also required to report credible complaints to the Compliance Officer or Executive Director for investigation.

If ever raising a concern or making a complaint to the Compliance Officer would jeopardize resolution of the suspected violation or would risk maintaining confidentiality or protecting against retaliation, a reporting structure is provided in the section, “Handling of Reported Violations,” and can be implemented at the reporter’s discretion.

 

Compliance Officer 

MFSN’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance Officer will advise the Board of Directors of all credible complaints of any nature and their resolution. The Compliance Officer will report at least annually to the Board of Directors on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

​

Accounting and Auditing Matters

MFSN’s Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of any concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the Board of Directors or delegated committee until the matter is resolved.
 

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

 

Confidentiality

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

 

Handling of Reported Violations: MFSN’s Compliance Officer will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation into the complaint. 

 

Compliance Officer: Georgia Pinsky, Executive Director/Maui Farmer Support Network

Georgia@mauifarmernetwork.com / 808-866-8194

Policy approved by the Board of Directors on May 18, 2025.

 

If ever raising a concern or making a complaint to the Compliance Officer would jeopardize resolution of the suspected violation or would risk maintaining confidentiality or protecting against retaliation, the following reporting structure can be implemented per the reporter’s discretion:

 

Executive Director: Georgia Pinsky, current Compliance Officer Georgia@mauifarmernetwork.com

Chairman of the Board of Directors: Tirzah Rodgers sheswelding@hotmail.com

 

MFSN Board of Directors: MFSNComplaints@gmail.com

Bonnie Newman, Vice Board Chair

Morgan Hawkins, Treasurer and acting Secretary

Paul Apao, Board Member

Dr. Janine Holstein

 

Last updated October 2025