House lawmakers Friday called for an ethics crackdown that would outlaw junkets and other gifts from lobbyists, ban lobbyists and other paid professionals from stints as legislative "interns," and create new panels to monitor colleagues.

The changes are meant to increase public trust in lawmakers and other state officials, according to a bipartisan group that unveiled the package.

But some complained afterward that the proposals do not go far enough and that parts could be used as political weapons.

The package is being shepherded mainly by Democrats who dominate the House, including leaders who are under fire from dissident party-mates.

"I'm happy to say that we are here, trying our best to improve the conduct of all elected officials and state officials, in trying to bring the trust and confidence back to the people of Hawai'i," said House Speaker Calvin Say, D-20th (St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Wilhelmina Rise).

The gift ban would not preclude traditional gifts of lei, fruit baskets and the like on the Legislature's opening day, he said.

Say has survived repeated challenges to his leadership in recent years, and criticism from colleagues who broke ranks has grown more visible and outspoken.

Ethics reform "was one of the key concerns we had," said Rep. Scott Saiki, D-22nd (Mo'ili'ili, McCully, Kaimuki), who was among a small group that publicly criticized Say during the Legislature's opening ceremonies nine days ago.

"It really is about time we review our standards and how they are enforced," Saiki said.

Say said the proposal was not a response to any particular concern or scandal, but acknowledged that his handling of ethical qualms had been criticized.

"Let's move forward in getting things done properly, correctly and ethically," Say said.

Some lawmakers and others last year sharply criticized the placement of insurance executives and others as "interns" who worked for lawmakers but were paid by their private employers.

Another ethical dilemma centered on a $50 million tax credit bill that would have financed the purchase of land that was to be exchanged for other property owned partly by the lawmaker who sponsored the bill.

The measure was quietly killed after other lawmakers raised concerns and The Advertiser published a story about the situation.

House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Lower Pearlridge, 'Aiea, Halawa), who had questioned that deal, praised the ethics bill as a good start. But she said oversight panels should not be stacked in favor of Democrats.

"We want to see more fair representation," she said.

As proposed, ethics panels for the House and Senate would each include two Democrats and one Republican, reflecting the parties' majority and minority status.

Finnegan and other Republicans called for equal party representation.

"We don't want to be stonewalled," Finnegan said.

Rep. Corinne Ching, R, 27th (Nu'uanu, Pu'unui, Liliha, 'Alewa Heights), said she hoped ethics reform would improve Hawai'i's dismal rate of voter turnout but remained skeptical of the proposal.

"We stand behind this effort as a beginning," she said. "The devil, however, is in the details. We don't want this to go down a road where it basically looks like ethics on the surface but it's used as a way to punish the minority if you've got a two-to-one situation."

One provision would ban lawmakers' spouses from working as lobbyists. Sen. Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai), said he believes that part is aimed squarely at his wife, Lydia, a lobbyist for the Hawai'i Psychiatric Medical Association.

She began working as a lobbyist long before they were married less than three years ago, he said.

"She marries me, and all of a sudden a law's being proposed that would take away her livelihood," Hemmings said.

He said it would be difficult for any lawmaker to vote against ethics reform, however, and could not say how he would vote if the ban on lobbyist spouses remains part of the package.

"It would be a hard vote, but I'll cross that road if we come to it," he said.

The ban should be extended to former lawmakers and political party chairs, he said, noting that one such lobbyist represents interests competing with his wife's employer.

Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-50th (Kailua, Kane'ohe Bay), said a stronger ethics bill would ban lawmakers from holding campaign fundraising events while the Legislature is in session.

"I think it's inherently a conflict of interest, and unethical, to hold a fundraiser during the session, when you're making decisions upon matters that affect the people you're asking to donate money," she said.

Rep. Gene Ward, R-17th (Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawai'i Kai), said some well-publicized past scandals involving lawmakers could have been prevented by stricter ethics laws.

"I think this is a great beginning," he said. "It's about time."

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com.