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Bill

Bill

HB 370

RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii establishes partial public election financing to reduce candidate reliance on private donations and increase political accessibility for diverse candidates.

Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 5:30PM in Conference Room 325.
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Bill Summary · HB 370

Legislative bill overview

HB 370 establishes a partial public financing system for elections in Hawaii, allowing candidates to receive public funds to support their campaigns. The bill aims to reduce candidates' dependence on private donations and potentially level the playing field for candidates with fewer personal resources or fundraising networks.

Why is this important

Public financing of elections can influence who runs for office, how campaigns operate, and the balance of political influence between wealthy donors and average citizens. Hawaii's approach to this policy may serve as a model for other states and affects how accessible public office becomes to diverse candidates.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to taxpayers: Public financing requires funding mechanisms, whether through tax checkboxes, general appropriations, or other revenue sources, raising questions about fiscal impact and competing budget priorities
  • Eligibility and participation requirements: Determining which races qualify, what threshold candidates must meet to receive funds, and whether participation is voluntary or mandatory can affect who benefits and how the system operates
  • Matching funds and contribution limits: Decisions about how public funds relate to private donations (matching vs. flat grants) and whether the system includes contribution limits significantly alter campaign dynamics and may face constitutional challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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