House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Keith-Agaran, vice chair: Rhoads

Thursday, March 3, 2011, 2:30 p.m.. Conference Room 329

Testifier: JoAnn Maruoka, Legislative Committee member, LWV-Hawaii

Click here to view HB443

Chair Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Rhoads, and members of the Judiciary Committee, The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB 443 as sound, good sense strengthening of campaign contribution restrictions. We are in favor of appropriate actions that help advance ethical behavior, and preclude, or at least reduce the risks of improper influence and corruption in government. By adding subcontractors and contract bidders to those prohibited from making campaign contributions, this bill should decrease the possibility for inappropriate contribution pressures and/or actions by those who are part of existing contracts, as well as those involved in seeking government contracts. In fact, for contract bidders, this would smartly begin the ban on contributions in a timely manner that helps avoid a problem -- before contracts are awarded. For government to work, people must have faith in the integrity of elected officials and a culture of honesty. This bill not only adds to the perceptions of integrity and honesty, but helps assure them. We urge you to pass HB 443 and thank you for this opportunity to testify on it.