For the purposes of this article, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Hearing. Any meeting in the course of an investigatory proceeding, other than a preliminary conference or interview at which no testimony is taken under oath, conducted by an investigating committee for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving other evidence. A hearing may be open to the public or closed to the public in conformance with HRS § 92-5.
Investigating Committee. Any of the following that are authorized to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of books, records, papers, and documents for the purpose of securing information on a specific subject for the use of the council:
(1) A standing committee;
(2) A special committee; or
(3) A committee of the whole of the council.
Public Hearing. Any hearing open to the public, or the proceedings of which are made available to the public.
(Sec. 4-4.2, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 4, Art. 4, § 4-4.2)