HRS §414-233
How officers must act and when they are protected
This section sets the standard for how corporate officers with decision-making power must do their jobs. They must act honestly, carefully, and in the company's best interest. They can rely on certain experts and employees, and if they follow these rules, they are not personally responsible for their decisions.
The statute, as written — Standards of conduct for officers
(a) An officer with discretionary authority shall discharge the officer's duties under that authority: (1) In good faith; (2) With the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and (3) In a manner the officer reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. (b) In discharging the duties of an officer, the officer is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: (1) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; or (2) Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the officer reasonably believes are within the person's professional or expert competence. (c) An officer is not acting in good faith if the officer has knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (b) unwarranted. (d) An officer is not liable for any action taken as an officer, or any failure to take any action, if the officer performed the duties of the officer's office in compliance with this section.
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