HI HB1481

Establishes comprehensive public funding program for Hawaii House of Representatives candidates beginning with 2016 elections, replacing the existing partial public financing system for state representatives.

Requires candidates to collect at least 250 qualifying contributions of $5 each from registered voters in their district and file a declaration of intent to seek public funding to become eligible for public funds.

Limits candidates to $3,000 in seed money contributions before filing for public funding, with unspent seed money deducted from allocated public funds or donated to the Hawaii election campaign fund.

Prohibits publicly-funded candidates from accepting private contributions, loans, or political party contributions once certified, and imposes three-times-fine penalties for violations and excess expenditures exceeding 100% of allocated funds.

Repeals campaign expenditure limits and public funding provisions for gubernatorial, lieutenant gubernatorial, and state senate candidates; appropriates funds to the campaign spending commission for implementation in fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.