Bill > HB370

This bill aims to update Hawaii's partial public campaign financing program by increasing the amount of public funds available to candidates and adjusting the requirements for participation. The bill increases the per-voter expenditure limits for various offices, such as raising the limit for governor from $2.50 to $3.00 per voter, and increases the maximum percentage of public funds a candidate can receive from 10% to 67% for most statewide and county offices. The bill also modifies the minimum qualifying contribution requirements for different offices, making it easier or harder to qualify depending on the specific position. For example, the qualifying contribution threshold for a Honolulu prosecuting attorney is reduced from $30,000 to $25,000, while the Maui county council qualifying contribution is lowered from $5,000 to $4,000. Additionally, the bill increases the matching fund payment from $1 to $2 for each qualifying dollar over the minimum threshold. The legislation also includes appropriations to deposit funds into the Hawaii election campaign fund and to hire additional staff at the campaign spending commission to support the expanded program. The changes are intended to encourage broader participation in public campaign financing and account for inflation since the program was last significantly updated in 1995.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=370&year=2026