SB555: Ban Fundraisers During Session
News Release from Gary Hooser, Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative, Feb 20, 2022
In Hawaiʻi it’s perfectly legal for a legislator, perhaps the Chair of a Committee that’s preparing to decide whether to pass or kill a bill, to solicit campaign contributions from the industry or group who might be impacted by that very same bill.
We can stop this, but we must take action before Tuesday, February 22.
Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Judiciary Committee has scheduled SB555 (proposed draft) introduced by Senator Les Ihara, banning campaign fundraisers during the legislative session. The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-22-22 at 9:30 am.
If you go to the “SB555 status” page there is a link to provide testimony in strong support. You must first Register and Sign In. Please note that there is a “Proposed Draft” that changes the language making it much stronger. This is what we are supporting
Please offer online testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of SB555 proposed draft, before 02-21-22.
In addition, please consider suggesting the committee amend the bill to not just ban fundraisers held during the session, but ban the solicitation or acceptance of campaign contributions during the session.
Please also spread the word! I mean to every single person on your email list. For easier sharing, here is the same message on my blog.
Two legislators have pled guilty and admitted to taking bribes. As the investigation unfolds, others will no doubt follow.
28 states (but not Hawaiʻi) presently ban legislators from campaign fundraising during the legislative session.
Please take a moment to read “Corruption By Any Other Name Is Still Corruption” Civil Beat: (4 minutes).
After you submit testimony, and after you share this with your friends and neighbors - take the extra time if you can to let your own district Senator know of your strong support for SB555.
Let’s do this.
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CB: ‘Shock And Anger’ Over Legislative Bribery Cases Could Lead To Limits On Campaign Fundraising