Gov. Green shares support for publicly funded elections, voice your support for timely action!
As you may have seen on KHON, Governor Josh Green recently expressed support for publicly funded elections and term limits as ways to reduce the influence of money in politics. Those are encouraging statements; however, meaningful reform cannot wait.
The Good Governance Caucus has called for a special legislative session to address one of Hawaiʻi's most glaring campaign finance loopholes: allowing government contractors' officers, executives, and immediate family members to make campaign contributions while they have business before the State.
This legislation was proposed by the Campaign Spending Commission, supported by the League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi and many good-government organizations, but unfortunately died before conference this past session.
The state bribery indictments demonstrate exactly why this reform is needed. According to the charges, the alleged scheme involved both a government contractor and a contractor's family member attempting to influence public officials. Closing this loophole is a commonsense step toward restoring trust and showing the public the legislature is serious about curbing the influence of money and legal bribery.
Governor Green has said he will sign a good reform bill if it reaches his desk. Now is the time to encourage him and lawmakers to help make that happen.
Please take a few minutes today to:
Contact Governor Josh Green and urge him to support convening a special session to address campaign finance reform to support
Contact House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ron Kouchi and ask them to bring the Legislature back into session.
Reach out to your own State Senator and State Representative and ask them to support calling a special session focused on closing the government contractor contribution loophole.
Calling a special session requires support from two-thirds of both the House and Senate. Legislators need to hear that Hawaiʻi residents expect action—not delay.
We cannot wait until the next legislative session. Fundraising starts the day after the general election. This is an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward preventing pay-to-play politics and strengthening confidence in our democracy.
Mahalo for standing up for good government.
Aria Juliet Castillo
Reclaiming Democracy Program Director
Find your legislator's email here.
Subject: Support a Special Session on Pay-to-Play Reform
Aloha Representative/Senator,
In light of the recent public corruption cases, I urge you to support calling an emergency special session to address Hawaiʻi's pay-to-play laws and restore public trust in our government.
The people of Hawaiʻi expect meaningful action, not just statements. Please support an emergency special session and work to strengthen ethics, transparency, and campaign finance laws.
Mahalo for your service, and I hope to see you or your office represented tomorrow.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
