Section 23-4-9 - Disqualification of hearing officer(a) No matter shall be heard by the hearing officer who:(1) Has any pecuniary interest in the matter;(2) Is related within the third degree by blood or marriage to any party in the proceeding; or(3) Has participated in any pre-proceeding investigation of the matter, or in developing evidence to be introduced at the proceeding, or in making the decision, or taking the action challenged in the proceeding.(b) The hearing officer affected by the categories in subsection (a) shall be disqualified from hearing the matter, either on own motion or of any party. Any motion to disqualify the hearing officer shall be decided prior to the hearing.[Eff APR 15 2000] (Auth: HRS § 353C-2) (Imp: HRS § 91-13)