Action Alert: Mandatory Reporting for Bribery
Bribery Offences for
Elected Officials
This session, three bills aim to make Hawaiʻi’s bribery and corruption laws stronger.
• Elected officials would have to report any known bribery within 60 days, and those who do not could face consequences.
• Penalties for serious bribery cases would be increased to make sure there are real consequences.
• The statute of limitations would be extended to nine years, so corruption cases can still be prosecuted even if they are hidden for a long time.
These changes would close loopholes, improve enforcement, and make it clear that public office is a responsibility to the community, not a chance for personal gain.
The action alert is below.
Good Government Priority (see below for talking points and sample testimony)
Support SB2737 — Failure to Report Bribery
Other Good Government Bills are being heard
Support SB2249 — Higher Offence for Bribery
Support SB2494 — Extend Statute of Limitations
If you have not done so already, you will need to create an account with the Hawaii State Legislature website to submit testimony.
Every action helps. Testifying on Zoom or in person is ideal, but not realistic for many. Writing personal testimony is powerful, but with so many bills, it’s not always possible. Even if you can’t submit full written testimony, logging in and selecting “Support” with your name and location still strengthens the record.
Failure to Report Bribery
Hearing in JDC on Wednesday, February 24th, at 9:45 am; Conference Room 061
What Does This Bill Do?
SB2737 establishes the offense of failure to report bribery by state or county elected officials. It requires an official who knows of or witnesses the conferring, offering, solicitation, or acceptance of a pecuniary benefit in violation of bribery law to report the conduct to the Department of the Attorney General within 60 days. A misdemeanor penalty applies for non-compliance.
Why Is This Important?
Bribery thrives in the shadows. When officials fail to report, improper influences go unchecked, corroding public trust and the integrity of government processes. This bill closes a critical gap by ensuring timely reporting and accountability, strengthening transparency and safeguarding democracy for Hawaii’s residents and culture.
Sample Testimony
Personalized testimony is the most impactful way to influence lawmakers. Please use this as a guide to draft your own words
Aloha Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Gabbard, and Members of the Committee,
I strongly support SB2737, which requires elected officials to report known or witnessed bribery.
This bill directly addresses a key accountability gap: when misconduct is known but not reported, it undermines the people’s trust and delays corrective action. By mandating timely reporting to the Attorney General, SB2737 helps ensure investigations can proceed without avoidable delays, supporting a more transparent and ethical government.
{Insert additional comments here}
Mahalo,
Your Name, Town
New to Legislative Engagement? Learn more about how to engage in the Legislative Session!
Make sure you have set up your account on the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website. If you are new to the process, see this helpful page on legislative engagement 101 from the Public Access Room including a link on how to submit testimony!
Mahalo for taking action!
