Action Alert: Support Stronger Public Financing for Elections!
Support Partial Public Funding Increase HB370
HB370, which increases the partial public funding for elections, will have a hearing tomorrow. Please submit testimony in support!
House Committee on Finance
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM
Place: Conference Room 308 & Videoconference
Support Partial Public Funding Increase HB370
Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all state and county elective offices.
What Does This Bill Do?
It updates and expands Hawaiʻi’s Partial Public Financing Program for elections to help candidates who agree to the campaign spending limits receive a certain amount of public funding.
The maximum amount of public money a candidate can receive is increased.
For example, candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (which serves the entire State) would no longer be capped at a flat $1,500 but instead qualify for up to 10% of a spending limit set by law.
The bill lowers the minimum requirements for some offices to encourage more candidates to participate by reducing the amount of money a candidate must raise before qualifying for matching funds for certain offices.
Why Is This Important?
Increasing the amount of public funding and providing higher matching rates means that more candidates, especially those without large financial backers, can afford to run for office.
With stronger public financing, elected officials can focus more on community concerns rather than on fundraising from large donors.
Lowering the financial barriers helps bring new voices, including grassroots candidates, into the political process.
Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Yamashita, Vice Chair Takenouchi, and Members of the Committee,
My name is [NAME], and I am writing in STRONG support of HB370, which will modernize and improve Hawaiʻi’s partial public financing program for elections.
By increasing the funding limits and adjusting qualifying contribution requirements, 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]
Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
The following bills will have decision making (no testimony accepted) this week.
Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair
Senator Mike Gabbard, Vice Chair
Thursday, February 27, 2025,
TIME: 10:00 AM, PLACE: Conference Room 016 & Videoconference
SB1032 - Prohibits foreign nationals and foreign corporations making campaign finance contributions and expenditures
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Vice Chair
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
TIME: 10:03 AM, PLACE: Conference Room 211 & Videoconference
SB124 - Reapportionment adding non-permanent residents to count
SB345 - Partial Public Funding Increase
