Hawai'i SO close to removing dark and coporate money from its politics

[HiloJulie]

Union cash is a much bigger player in Hawaii politics than elsewhere in the US, that much we do know.

While that is certainly true but let's also remember that the Contractors and associated corporations (including their owners, executives and family members on a personal basis) who may or may not employe those union members but are beholden to the annual awards of tens of millions of dollars in Federal, State and County contracts are on the same par if not even more of a player in the Hawaii political cash game.

[TomK]

While that is certainly true but let's also remember that the Contractors and associated corporations (including their owners, executives and family members on a personal basis) who may or may not employe those union members but are beholden to the annual awards of tens of millions of dollars in Federal, State and County contracts are on the same par if not even more of a player in the Hawaii political cash game.

I lost interest a third of the way through that sentence.

https://youtu.be/yeF_o1Ss1NQ?si=MoUh1Zji2KXJzoHm

[HiloJulie]

While that is certainly true but let's also remember that the Contractors and associated corporations (including their owners, executives and family members on a personal basis) who may or may not employe those union members but are beholden to the annual awards of tens of millions of dollars in Federal, State and County contracts are on the same par if not even more of a player in the Hawaii political cash game.

I lost interest a third of the way through that sentence.

https://youtu.be/yeF_o1Ss1NQ?si=MoUh1Zji2KXJzoHm

I am quite sure you did. And I could really care less.

[TomK]

I am quite sure you did. And I could really care less.

What do you care less about?

[ironyak]

Quick update: Conference members appointed and meetings being held to reconcile the House and Senate versions of SB2471, so it's still alive for now.

Next meeting is today at 2:40p for those that want to watch democracy live in action! (the exclamation point is probably an overstatement ;)

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2471&year=2026
4/24/2026 S Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-27-26 2:40PM; CR 224.
4/24/2026 S Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 819).
4/23/2026 H Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 739).
4/23/2026 S Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-24-26 3:30PM; Conference Room 224.
4/23/2026 S Senate Conferees Appointed: Keohokalole Chair; Rhoads Co-Chair; Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa.
4/23/2026 H House Conferees Appointed: Matayoshi, Tarnas Co-Chairs; Perruso, Pierick.

Also if you want to see some of the interesting dynamics between the Senate and House leads, can check out the last minute or so of Friday's meeting. No matter how good the idea, no matter the level of wide-spread support, still going to take some single individuals to be brave, step-up, and make the idea a reality.

[ironyak]

So, the bill is out of committee, cleaned up, and headed to the floor TODAY for a final vote. Going to come down to the wire, but Hawaii has the chance to pass historic legislation that paves the way for other states to nullify Citizens United and the influence of dark money on Hawaii politics.

Last chance to reach out to your Hawaii Senators and Representatives and let them know your thoughts on this measure.

You can enter your address and find your state reps' contact info here: https://search.capitol.hawaii.gov/?type=...-addresses

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Thanks for the reminder ironyak!
Did it.

As John & Yoko sang, power to the people!

[ironyak]

Hawai'i Legislature passes SB2471! House had the best final speech for the measure, IMO, for those who are into the whole Mr Smith/Ms Souza Goes to Washington/Honolulu stuff.

So now it's off the Gov Green's desk for signing, which with near unanimous support from the legislature seems likely, but probably doesn't hurt to let him know how you feel either :)

https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us/g...formation/

[BlackAkita]

The bill denying Citizens United the same standing as residents of HI is not going into effect for another year according to Ali Velshi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBGpEcPrbso

The US Supreme Court could decide that the bill is an example of restraint of trade. This opens up the legality of many laws on the books, including restrictions against mainland banks operating in HI. Republicans will argue that large insurance companies can offer policies in the state, so why can't banks operate offices here? The question has always been, how deep can a corporation sink their teeth into our necks? I will defer to the legal expertise of our resident attorney, Julie.
Does anyone know if AIPAC has contributed to our U.S. congressmen or senators?

[leilanidude]

Republicans people will argue that large insurance companies can offer policies in the state, so why can't banks operate offices here? 
-----------
The large insurance companies such as GEICO, are allowed to operate here only if they maintain a presence, such as a call center, which GEICO does have, located in Honolulu. Ways around that allow for a mainland call center that operates during "Hawaii business hours".

Chase and Bank of America opened branch offices but legislators made it so difficult for them that they both closed the offices and gave up. Hawaii residents pay the price with lower interest rates, fewer products and poor customer service as a result of no real competition.