House Committee on Finance (FIN) - chair: Oshiro, vice chair: Lee

Monday, February 22, 2010, 2:30 p.m.. Conference Room 308

Testifier: JoAnn Maruoka, LWV of Hawaii

Click here to view HB2003 HD1A

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is concerned about changes made in HD1. In our testimony on the original bill, Jean Aoki stressed that it should remain what it is, a reorganization of the campaign spending laws, and not be a vehicle for wholesale amending of those laws. Although the committee report HSCR 404-10 says the League testified in support of the bill, Ms. Aoki pointed out that our support was conditional. We were concerned about the what we saw as a substantial change in the enforcement section where failure to file reports on time or the filing of substantially deficient or defective reports changes from “shall” to “may” be subject to fines. However, more troubling is that HD1 removes language that specifies the conditions under which contributions from State and county contractors are prohibited; and removes language limiting contribution amounts to noncandidate committees. We see these as seriously flawed, counter to what the electorate wants, and risking perceived and actual abuses of influence. These will only further erode public confidence. We urge you to reinstate the appropriate language to specify conditions under which contributions from State and county contractors are prohibited; and while we would like to see lower limits, at least restore the language limiting contributions to noncandidate committees. Thank you for this opportunity to testify.