HB 1380 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive public funding program for county election candidates beginning in 2022, funded through the Hawaii election campaign fund.

• Requires candidates to collect at least 100 qualifying names with $5 contributions from registered county voters to become certified for public funding.

• Provides public funds at a 4:1 match rate (four times the first $50 of each donation capped at $200) up to amounts spent by previously elected candidates or opponents.

• Imposes strict restrictions on certified candidates: prohibits acceptance of private contributions, loans, or party contributions after certification; requires use of public funds only; and mandates surplus campaign funds be frozen.

• Establishes seed money limit of $3,000 for initial campaign viability testing before filing declaration of intent to seek public funding.