SB 51 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive public financing program for candidates seeking state and county offices in Hawaii, beginning with the 2028 general election year, allowing candidates to compete without relying on private donations.

• Requires candidates to collect a minimum number of $5 qualifying contributions from registered voters in their district (ranging from 63 contributions for Kauai prosecuting attorney to 6,250 for governor) to become certified for public funding.

• Allocates specific amounts of public funds to certified candidates, distributed at 67% for primary elections and 33% for general elections (e.g., $2.5 million maximum for governor, $50,000 for state representative).

• Prohibits certified candidates from accepting any contributions or expenditures other than public funds from certification through the end of the general election, with elected certified candidates remaining subject to these restrictions during their term in office.

• Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to verify candidate eligibility, certify qualified candidates within 10 business days of application, and submit progress reports to the legislature; appropriates funds for implementation and program administration.