SB 345: Campaign Spending Commission; Partial Public Financing; OHA; Maximum Amount of Public Funds Available; Minimum Qualifying Contribution Amounts; Appropriations
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-17
Current Status:
Failed
(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Raises the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates for the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program. Increases the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make in the Program. Increases the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
Raises the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates for the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program. Increases the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make in the Program. Increases the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the Program. Appropriates funds.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
345 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The purpose of this Act is to:
(3) Increase matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions; and
SECTION 2. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum amount
of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for [the]:
(1) The office of governor,
lieutenant governor, or mayor of the city and county of Honolulu or the
county of Hawaii shall not exceed [ten]
per cent [of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each
election.
(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the];
(2) The office of state senator,
state representative, mayor of the county of Kauai or the county of Maui,
county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not exceed [fifteen]
per cent [of the expenditure limit
established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
(c) For the]; or
(3) The office of Hawaiian affairs[,
the maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate] shall not
exceed [$1,500 in any election year.] per
cent,
of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
[(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.
(e)]
(b) Each candidate who qualified
for the maximum amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a
candidate for a subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to
be qualified to receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this
section for the respective general election.
(c) For purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 3. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) As a condition of receiving public funds for a primary or general election, a candidate shall not be unopposed in any election for which public funds are sought, shall have filed an affidavit with the commission pursuant to section 11‑423 to voluntarily limit the candidate's campaign expenditures, and shall be in receipt of the following sum of qualifying contributions from individual residents of Hawaii:
(1) For the office of governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100,000;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(3) For the office of mayor for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $15,000;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $10,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(4) For the office of prosecuting attorney for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$30,000;] $25,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$10,000;] $5,000; and
(C) County of Kauai--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $3,000;
(5) For the office of county council--for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $1,500;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $4,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $3,000;
(6) For the office of state
senator--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate exceed
$2,500;
(7) For the office of state
representative--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed $1,500;
(8) For the office of Hawaiian affairs--qualifying contributions that[,] in the
aggregate[,] exceed [$1,500;] $5,500; and
(9) For all other offices[,]--qualifying
contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,] exceed $500.
(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
[(1)] If the candidate obtains the minimum
qualifying contribution amount, the candidate [is] shall be
eligible to receive:
[(A)] (1)
The minimum payment in an amount equal to the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts; and
[(B)] (2)
Payments of [$1] $2 for each $1 of qualifying
contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts[; and].
[(2)] A candidate shall have at least one other
qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general election to
receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the Hawaii election campaign fund the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the purposes of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for full-time equivalent ( FTE) permanent positions to be placed within the campaign spending commission.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 7. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 8. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission; Partial Public Financing; OHA; Maximum Amount of Public Funds Available; Minimum Qualifying Contribution Amounts; Appropriations
Description:
Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program and staff. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
345 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The State's partial public financing program is operated by the campaign spending commission and provides dollar for dollar matching funds up to a maximum amount on the qualifying contributions raised by a candidate who has first collected the minimum amount of these contributions for the prescribed office. The legislature further finds that the amount of campaign funds that are available to candidates was last amended two decades ago.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to increase the amount of matching campaign funds available for candidates who participate in the partial public financing program and ensure adequate funding for the program by:
(1) Raising the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates, to sixty-seven per cent of the expenditure limit;
(2) Increasing by twenty per cent the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make;
(3) Increasing the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the program; and
(4) Appropriating funds from the general fund to the election campaign fund to fund the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of governor--[$2.50;]
$3.00;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--[$1.40;]
$1.68;
(3) For the office of mayor--[$2.00;]
$2.40;
(4) For the offices of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney--[$1.40;]
$1.68; and
(5) For all other offices--[20] 24
cents."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum amount
of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, [or] state
senator, state representative, mayor, county council member, prosecuting
attorney, or Hawaiian affairs shall not exceed [ten] sixty-seven
per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each
election[.]; provided that the candidate shall not receive any public
funds that, when combined with the candidate's qualifying contributions, are in
excess of the expenditure limit.
[(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not
exceed fifteen per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(c)
For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the
maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $1,500
in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.
(e)] (b) Each candidate who qualified for the maximum
amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a candidate for a
subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to be qualified to
receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this section for the
respective general election.
(c) For purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
(1) If the candidate obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate is eligible to receive:
(A) The minimum payment in an amount equal to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(B) Payments of [$1] $2 for
each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts; and
(2) A candidate shall have at least one other qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general election to receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on April 23, 2057.
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Maximum Amount of Public Funds Available; Appropriations
Description:
Raises the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates for the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program. Increases the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make in the Program. Increases the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
345 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to public financing.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the partial public financing program for candidates to state and county elected offices is a valuable component of Hawaiʻi's election process. The program, which provides partial campaign funds to participating candidates who agree to expenditure limits, has been mandated by the Hawaii State Constitution since 1978. The use of public funds to finance election campaigns is in the public interest because it mitigates the outsized influence, and the perception of influence, of large private donors.
Hawaiʻi's partial public financing program is operated by the campaign spending commission and provides dollar for dollar matching funds up to a maximum amount on the qualifying contributions raised by a candidate who has first collected the minimum amount of these contributions for the prescribed office. The legislature further finds that the amount of campaign funds that are available to candidates was last amended two decades ago.
The purpose of this Act is to increase the amount of matching campaign funds available for candidates who participate in the partial public financing program and ensure adequate funding for the program by:
(1) Raising the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates, to sixty-seven per cent of the expenditure limit;
(2) Increasing by twenty per cent the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make;
(3) Increasing the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the program; and
(4) Appropriating funds from the general fund to the election campaign fund to fund the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of governor--[$2.50;]
$3.00;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--[$1.40;]
$1.68;
(3) For the office of mayor--[$2.00;]
$2.40;
(4) For the offices of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney--[$1.40;]
$1.68; and
(5) For all other offices--[20] 24
cents."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum amount
of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, [or] state
senator, state representative, mayor, county council member, prosecuting
attorney, or Hawaiian affairs shall not exceed [ten] sixty-seven
per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each
election[.]; provided that the candidate shall not receive any public
funds that, when combined with the candidate's qualifying contributions, are in
excess of the expenditure fund.
[(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not
exceed fifteen per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(c)
For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the
maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $1,500
in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.
(e)] (b) Each candidate who qualified for the maximum
amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a candidate for a
subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to be qualified to
receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this section for the
respective general election.
(c) For purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
(1) If the candidate obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate is eligible to receive:
(A) The minimum payment in an amount equal to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(B) Payments of [$1] $2 for
each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts; and
(2) A candidate shall have at least one other qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general election to receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $16,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Maximum Amount of Public Funds Available; Appropriations
Description:
Raises the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates for the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program. Increases the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make in the Program. Increases the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the Program. Appropriates funds.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Matsumoto, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda voting no (5) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1330) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Shimizu; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 03-12-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 140) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | One Day Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 855) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 6, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 6, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 72) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee on JDC reconsidered its previous decision. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang. |
| Jan 29, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-25 9:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Jan 15, 2025 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 14, 2025 | Pending Introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Aloha Freedom Coalition | ** Against | |
| Campaign Spending Commission | ** Support | |
| Chamber of Sustainable Commerce | ** Support | |
| Common Cause Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Free Access Coalition | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Green Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Patriot Republicans | ** Against | |
| Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Workers Center | *** Support | Feb 5, 2025 |
| HOPE HI, Inc. | *** Against | Feb 26, 2025 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Our Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Pride at Work Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Pride at Work – Hawai‘i | *** Support | Mar 12, 2025 |
| Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Feb 5, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1330
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 345
S.D. 1
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make in the Partial Public Financing Program;
(2) Raise the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates in the Partial Public Financing Program;
(3) Increase the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the Partial Public Financing Program; and
(4) Appropriate funds for the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Campaign Spending Commission; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Our Hawaiʻi; Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Common Cause Hawaii; Pride at Work Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Patriot Republicans; Aloha Freedom Coalition; and numerous individuals.
Your Committee finds that adjustments are necessary to bolster the Hawaii Partial Public Financing Program and reduce candidates' dependence on special interest groups or large donors. Your Committee further finds that the adjustments made in H.B. No. 370, H.D. 2 (Regular Session of 2025), are more suitable for achieving this objective at this time.
(1) Increases the amount of funds available to candidates who qualify to participate in the Partial Public Financing Program, including candidates for the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourages participation in the Partial Public Financing Program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increases matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions; and
(4) Appropriates funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the Partial Public Financing Program and to permit the Campaign Spending Commission to hire more staff to address the anticipated increase in participation in the Program.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 855
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 345
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate the availability of funding for candidates participating in the partial public financing program for elected office.
Specifically, the measure:
(1) Increases, from ten to sixty-seven percent of the expenditure limit, the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates;
(2) Increases by twenty percent the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate may make;
(3) Increases the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the program; and
(4) Appropriates moneys from the general fund to the election campaign fund to fund the partial public financing program.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Campaign Spending Commission, League of Women Voters of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Free Access Coalition, Our Hawaii, and numerous individuals.
Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from numerous individuals.
Your Committee recognizes that the partial public financing program provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds, up to a maximum amount, for the qualifying contributions raised by a qualifying candidate for the elected office. Your Committee also recognizes that over the past two decades, inflation costs have made the current amounts of funding under the law less than competitive, and the current amounts of funds available to candidates for public funding are significantly below the amounts spent by privately funded candidates. Your Committee believes that this measure is an appropriate mechanism to level the playing field and promote fairness in elections.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 72
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 345
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 345 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the amount of matching campaign funds available for candidates who participate in the Partial Public Financing Program and ensure adequate funding for the Program by:
(1) Raising the cap on the maximum amount of matching funds available to candidates, to sixty-seven percent of the expenditure limit;
(2) Increasing by twenty percent the cap on the amount of expenditures a candidate can make;
(3) Increasing the matching fund ratio from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised by a candidate to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions raised in excess of the minimum qualifying contributions that a candidate must raise to participate in the program; and
(4) Appropriating funds from the General Fund to the Election Campaign Fund to fund the Partial Public Financing Program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Campaign Spending Commission, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, League of Women Voters of Hawaii, Green Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, and twenty-eight individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from forty-nine individuals.
Your Committee finds that the Partial Public Financing Program for candidates to state and county elected offices is a valuable component of the State's election process because it mitigates the outsized influence, and the perception of influence, of large private donors. The State's Partial Public Financing Program is operated by the Campaign Spending Commission and provides dollar for dollar matching funds up to a maximum amount on the qualifying contributions raised by a candidate who has first collected the minimum amount of these contributions for the prescribed office. Your Committee also finds that the amount of campaign funds that are available to candidates was last amended two decades ago. Inflation in media prices, postage, and labor costs make the current amounts far less than competitive, and the current amounts available to qualified candidates for public funding are far below the amounts spent by privately funded candidates who won election to the same office. This measure will update the Partial Public Financing Program to reduce the influence of large private donors and ensure fairer elections in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;
(2) Inserting an effective date of April 23, 2057, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount. Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $16,000,000 to fund the Partial Public Financing Program.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 345, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 345, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 12, 2025 | SB345_SD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_03-12-25_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2025 | SB345_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-26-25_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2025 | SB345_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-05-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
20MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
30SEC
Senate Floor
Bill Author
