2025 Reclaiming Democracy Policy Agenda
The legislative session is upon us! Session started last Wednesday, January 15th and hearings have begun to get scheduled. HAPA is excited to share our 2025 Policy Agenda with all of you and enlist your support! Last year our HAPA community submitted 62% of the testimony on bills we sent out alerts for. Let’s see if we can generate even more public engagement this session.
Despite legitimate fears that many of us have about the new federal administration, we know that action is the best antidote to fear. Acting locally, here in Hawaiʻi is one tangible and impactful way we can create change. Please join us in engaging this legislative session around a policy agenda that centers equity and the well-being of our ʻāina and working class communities.
2025 Reclaiming Democracy Policy Agenda
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.
Comprehensive Publicly Funded Elections
Partial Public Financing Increased Funding
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.
Fully Funding Campaign Spending Commission
Increase Staffing for Inspector Roles
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
Limit Candidate & Family Personal Contribution
ConAm; Free Speech does not include Monetary Expenditures to Influence Elections
Closing State or County Contractor Donation Loophole
Noncandidate Committee Expenditures Fee and Disclosure
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
Increase Ballot Curing Time Period
Automatic Voter Registration Improvements
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
If you arenʻt already, please sign up for our Legislative Alerts and join us in taking action this session!
