2025 HAPA Reclaiming Democracy Policy Agenda - Update!
2025 Reclaiming Democracy Policy Agenda Update
About:
The Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) is committed to promoting a democratic system that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive. We recognize that good governance is the cornerstone of a healthy society, and we advocate for policies that empower voters, reduce the influence of money in politics, and strengthen public trust in government institutions.
Reclaiming Democracy Priority Areas:
Publicly Funded Elections
We believe in leveling the playing field for candidates by implementing fully financed public election systems. These systems reduce reliance on private contributions, ensuring that elected officials are accountable to their constituents rather than special interests. Until we can achieve a fully funded system, we support expanding the partial public funding options to reflect modern-day campaigning.
SB51 - Fully Funded Public Elections - PASSED JDC WITH AMENDMENTS
HB370 - Campaign Spending Partial Public Funding Increase - PASSED JHA WITH AMENDMENTS
SB345 - Campaign Spending Partial Public Funding Increase - PASSED JDC WITH AMENDMENTS
Strengthening the Campaign Spending Commission Office
Effective oversight is critical to maintaining the integrity of our electoral process. We support increasing staffing and resources for the Campaign Spending Commission to enhance its ability to monitor compliance, enforce campaign finance laws, and provide transparency.
SB118 - Increase Campaign Spending Commission Staff - PASSED JUD WITH AMENDMENTS
Closing Campaign Finance Loopholes
To protect against undue influence in our elections, we advocate for reforms that address gaps in current campaign finance laws. This includes stricter regulations on super PACs, dark money organizations, and coordinated expenditures that undermine the democratic process.
Disallows Candidate-to-Candidate Campaign Funds
HB772 - Candidate-to-Candidate Funds - PASSED JHA
Limit Candidate & Family Personal Contribution
HB662 - Candidate and Family Contributions to Campaign - PASSED JHA WITH AMENDMENTS
ConAm; Free Speech does not include Monetary Expenditures to Influence Elections
Noncandidate Committee Expenditures Fee and Disclosure
SB 1173 - Fees on PAC Spending - PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS
Expanding Voter Access
HAPA is dedicated to increasing voter participation by making elections more accessible. We support expanding voter service centers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and implementing automatic voter registration to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote.
Expand Voter Service Centers and Accessibility
HB408 - Extending Mail-In Voter Registration Deadline - PASSED JHA
Increase Ballot Curing Time Period
Automatic Voter Registration Improvements
HB 322 - Automatic Voter Registration Improvements -
PASSED JHA WITH AMENDMENTS
Empowering the Public to Decide on Term Limits
We believe the people of Hawai‘i should have a voice in deciding whether term limits are appropriate for lawmakers. Allowing the public to vote on this issue promotes accountability and ensures that any decision reflects the will of the community.
Constitutional Amendment; Legislative Term Limits
Continuous Legislative Session
SB 733 - Continuous Legislative Session - DEFERRED
HB1425 - Expanding Legislative Session Working Group - PASSED LMG WITH AMENDMENTS
Other Bills we are Tracking
SB 311 - Free Speech does not include Spending Money to Influence Elections - PASSED JDC WITH AMENDMENTS
SB 1032 - Keep Foreign Nationals/Corporations Out of Campaign Spending - PASSED TCA WITH AMENDMENTS
SB114 - Establishes presidential preference primary elections for the 2028 election cycle - PASSED JDC WITH AMENDMENTS
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