The state Ethics Commission is expected today to consider whether it should dismiss Dan Mollway, its executive director and general counsel.

The commission released a detailed agenda for today's session, listing an executive session “;to consider the evaluation, dismissal or discipline of the executive director and general counsel.”;

The usual practice for state boards and commissions is to state that an executive session that excludes the public will be held, without any details.

The Ethics Commission agenda notes that Mollway, who has been executive director for 24 years, has requested mediation, but the commission will consider “;possible request for resignation or termination of employment.”;

Mollway was not available for comment.

Jo Kamae Byrne, state chairwoman of Common Cause Hawaii, called the meeting “;disturbing.”;

“;Our concern is that the Ethics Commission is one of the key watchdog agencies, and under Dan Mollway it has gained a lot of respect and a national reputation,”; Byrne said.

According to state law, the ethics commissioners are chosen by the governor from a list provided by the state Judicial Selection Commission.

Mollway has made a number of controversial decisions during his career. In 2008, Mollway said there was no conflict for state legislators to take a free trip on Hawaiian Airlines' inaugural flight to the Philippines.

Former GOP Sen. Gordon Trimble protested the trip and filed a complaint with Mollway's office. Yesterday, Trimble said he thought the trip was “;an obscene act.”;

But in 2009, the commission advised lawmakers not to accept free tickets to events even from nonprofits.

Mollway said that “;it could be reasonably inferred that the gift is given to influence or reward official action.”;