Support Publicly Funded Elections
Multiple good government reform bills will be heard this Tuesday and Wednesday in various committees. Please take a moment to support these bills to address publicly funded elections, campaign spending and expanding legislative session.
Support SB51 - Fully Funded Public Elections
Support SB118 - Increase Campaign Spending Commission Staff
Support SB345 - Campaign Spending Partial Public Funding Increase
Support HB1425 - Expanding Legislative Session Working Group
Here is an update of the bills we sent out action alerts for last week!
Senate Committee on Judiciary
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 9:15 AM
Place: Conference Room 016 & Videoconference
Fully Funded Public Elections
Support SB51 - Fully Funded Public Elections
Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawai‘i, to begin with the 2026 general election year.
What does this Bill Do?
This bill offers public funding to candidates who agree not to accept private donations. It levels the playing field and frees candidates from big donors who might try to influence them.
Candidates who choose this system pledge to reject donations from lobbyists, corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals. This allows elected officials to make decisions based on public needs rather than donor demands. The system invites more candidates to run, even if they lack financial backing. Grassroots supporters and small-dollar contributions gain more weight, which can bring fresh ideas and voices into state and county races.
Why is this Important?
Hawai‘i started a partial public funding program after adding it to the State Constitution in 1978. That early effort showed a commitment to ethical elections. This new proposal expands on that foundation. Between 2010 and 2012, the Hawai‘i County Council pilot program gave about $363,000 in public funds to 16 candidates. Many praised the pilot project for reducing reliance on wealthy contributors and for showing that publicly funded elections can work in Hawai‘i.
This investment can help protect the integrity of elections for all residents. Reducing dependence on large private donations can cut the costs linked to corruption or investigations later on.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Gabbard, and Members of the Committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of SB51, Fully Funded Public Elections.
Implementing fully publicly funded elections can help restore trust and integrity in Hawaii’s elections, which have historically depended on wealthy donors. The success of Hawai‘i’s partial public funding program and past pilot programs demonstrates that this approach can work, reducing undue influence and increasing voter trust in the electoral process.
Public financing levels the playing field, allowing more diverse and community-driven candidates to run for office without the barrier of big-money fundraising. It fosters a government that truly reflects the will of the people, rather than those with the deepest pockets and connections to influence.
[PROVIDE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE]
Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
Increase Staffing at Campaign Spending Commission
Support SB118 - Increase Campaign Spending Commission Staff
Establishes an investigator position in the Campaign Spending Commission
What Does this Bill Do?
The Campaign Spending Commission has five staff members. They already have broad duties. Adding an investigator gives them a dedicated resource for investigations, such as gathering evidence, reviewing allegations, and supporting legal actions when needed. This makes enforcement more efficient and boosts confidence in fair elections.
Our elections continue to involve many candidates and committees. In 2022, the Commission monitored hundreds of candidate committees statewide. An investigator will help manage potential violations and complaints. Complaints and allegations can delay campaigns if not addressed quickly.
Why is this Important?
Right now, staff members share investigative tasks in addition to their regular tasks. An investigator allows others to focus on financial reporting, training, and public outreach.
Voters expect strong oversight of campaign spending. An investigator reassures the public that violations won’t be overlooked.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Gabbard, and Members of the Committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of SB118, which establishes an investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission.
By increasing the staffing available for the Campaign Spending Commission, the public can be assured that all violations are being found, investigated, and addressed. A full-time investigator can move cases forward faster, which benefits candidates, voters, and election officials.
[PROVIDE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE]
Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
Partial Public Funding Match Increase
Support SB345 - Campaign Spending Partial Public Funding Increase
Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all state and county elective offices by 2 to 1.
What does this Bill Do?
The bill proposes an appropriation of $16 million for each of the next two fiscal years to sustain the program.
The bill rewards candidates who engage with community members at every level by raising the matching ratio from $1 to $2. This step makes it easier for new voices to run. Campaigns with smaller average donation sizes are more likely to focus on local issues that affect everyday residents.
Why is it Important?
The partial public financing program has been part of our electoral process since 1978. This program aligns with our constitution’s directive to provide public funding for election campaigns.
The funding limits have remained unchanged for two decades. In that time, Hawai‘i’s cost of living has grown faster than the national average, impacting the true value of campaign funds. Updating the limits helps campaigns keep pace with rising expenses, such as printing, venue rentals, and advertising.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Gabbard, and Members of the Committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of SB345, which increases the amount of matching funds in Hawaii’s partial public financing program for elections.
By increasing the expenditure cap and adjusting matching funds to 2 to 1, this measure reflects the economic realities of today and encourages more candidates to participate in the program. This bill is a significant step toward reducing the influence of big money in our election process.
[PROVIDE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE]
Please support SB345. Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
House Committee on Legislative Management
Date: Wednesday, 02-05-25
Time: 2:00 PM
place: House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Expanding Legislative Session
Support HB1425 - Expanding Legislative Session Working Group
Establishes a working group to study the feasibility of transitioning the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to year-round
What does this bill do?
Creates a temporary working group to study the feasibility of transitioning the Hawaii State Legislature from a 3.5-month session (January–May) to a year-round legislative session.
The working group would be composed of legislators, government officials, and community representatives.
Why is it important?
Continuous sessions ensure lawmakers are regularly addressing the needs of their constituents. Prohibiting private-sector employment ensures that legislators focus solely on their public duties. A continuous session allows for more hearings, more time for public testimony and input, and more collaboration among legislators.
The working group will report on the financial costs, legal changes, impact on legislative efficiency and comparison with other states.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Holt, Vice Chair Quinlan, and members of the committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of HB1425, to establish a working group to study a transition to a continuous legislative session. A full-time legislature means greater accountability and allows lawmakers to focus solely on serving the people. Prohibiting private-sector jobs ensures undivided attention and minimizes conflicts of interest. This working group can answer many of the logistical questions and get a cost analysis of the benefits.
[PROVIDE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OR ANY ADDITIONS HERE]
Please support HB1425. Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
Civics Education in School
House Committee on Education
Date: Tuesday 02-04-25
Time: 2:00 PM
Place: House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Support HB763 - Civics Education in School
Establishes the civic education trust fund to support programs benefiting civic education of public school students
What does this bill do?
The bill establishes a Hawaii Civic Education Trust Fund to enhance and expand civic education programs in public schools.
The trust fund will be supported by state allocations and private contributions to sustain long-term investment in civic education.
Why is this important?
Civic education is essential for preparing students to participate in the public and political life of their communities
This bill aims to build a culture of civic involvement among Hawaii’s youth, leading to higher voter turnout and stronger community participation.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Woodson, Vice Chair La Chica, and Members of the Committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of HB763, which establishes a Hawaii Civic Education Trust Fund, which will expand civics education programs in schools. When students are exposed to civic involvement, it leads to higher voter participation and stronger community participation throughout their lives.
[PROVIDE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE]
Please support HB763. Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
Other Bills We Are Tracking
HB 792 - Creates the office of the legislative analyst
SB 869 - Includes community outreach boards in existing provisions of the Sunshine Law
SB 1081 - Establishes the legislative budget office to produce fiscal analyses on bills
SB 405 - Allows neighborhood boards to discuss and receive information from third-party reports by any government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda
SB 1651 - Requires board packets to be posted two or more full business days before a public meeting.
