H.B. 1514 Summary

• Allows taxpayers to make voluntary contributions of up to $20 to the Hawaii election campaign fund on state income tax returns, with amounts added to taxes owed or subtracted from refunds.

• Increases campaign spending limits for state senators, state representatives, county council members, and prosecuting attorneys from $1.40 to $2.10 per registered voter.

• Raises the maximum public funds available to candidates for governor and lieutenant governor from 10% to 20% of expenditure limits, and for other offices from 15% to 16%.

• Changes the public funds match from $1 for each $1 in qualifying contributions to $3 for each $1, and increases the maximum qualifying contribution threshold per person from $100 to $200.

• Requires candidates receiving public funds to accept campaign contributions only from natural persons and sole proprietorships, and mandates at least two qualified candidates exist for the same office before any candidate may receive public funds for that election cycle.