HI HB2050

Increases campaign expenditure limits per registered voter for candidates who voluntarily cap spending: governor from $2.50 to $3.00, lieutenant governor from $1.40 to $1.68, mayor from $2.00 to $2.40, state legislators and county council from $1.40 to $1.68, and other offices from 20 to 24 cents.

Raises the maximum public funds available to qualifying candidates: 12.5% of expenditure limits for governor, lieutenant governor, and mayors of Honolulu/Hawaii counties; 18.75% for state legislators, smaller county mayors, council members, and prosecutors; 7.5% for Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Lowers minimum qualifying contribution thresholds for some offices to encourage participation, including reducing Honolulu prosecuting attorney from $30,000 to $25,000 and Hawaii County prosecuting attorney from $10,000 to $5,000.

Doubles matching fund payments from $1 to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions received above the minimum threshold amounts.

Appropriates an unspecified sum from general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund, with the appropriation taking effect July 1, 2026.