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Bill

Bill

HB 308

RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

HB 308 establishes partial public campaign financing in Hawaii to reduce private donor dependence and expand candidate access to electoral resources.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#elections #matchingfunds #partialpublicfinancing
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Bill Summary · HB 308

Legislative bill overview

HB 308 proposes establishing 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' reliance on private donations and potentially level the playing field for candidates without access to large donor networks. The specific mechanics of fund distribution, eligibility requirements, and funding sources have not been detailed in the available action history.

Why is this important

Public campaign financing directly affects who can viably run for office and whose interests get represented in government. Hawaii's system could influence whether candidates must spend significant time fundraising versus engaging with constituents, and whether working-class or minority candidates face barriers to entry. This reflects a broader national debate about money's role in politics and democratic accessibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and taxpayer burden: How the public financing will be funded (tax checkboxes, general revenue, or other mechanisms) and whether voters support subsidizing campaigns with their tax dollars
  • Eligibility and fairness criteria: Which candidates qualify for funds, threshold requirements for participation, and whether the system advantages or disadvantages specific parties or ideologies
  • Effectiveness and unintended consequences: Whether public financing actually reduces special interest influence or simply increases overall campaign spending while creating new lobbying pressures on the fund distribution process

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

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