Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green signed 18 bills into law promoting what he calls “Good Government” on June 23, 2023. (State of Hawai’i)
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green on Friday signed 18 “Good Government” bills into law that govern ethics, lobbying, campaign spending and other activities to provide greater transparency and accountability.
“The good government and transparency bills that were passed by the legislature reflect the cumulative efforts of many in our community,” Green said. “The input of the public, elected leaders, and other stakeholders throughout our state came together to collaborate on these multi-faceted efforts to give the people of Hawaiʻi the kind of government they want and deserve.”
Senator Les Ihara, majority policy leader, said he appreciated the sweeping support of fellow lawmakers and the public.
“I’ve introduced many political reform bills in the past that have failed, but this year many have caught a huge wave of public sentiment caused by the unfortunate corrupt actions of colleagues,” he said. “Let’s keep building a wave large enough to address the issue of money in politics and core public ethics issues.”
Green signed HB1502 that will right a 10-year-old wrong, when the state’s Shield Law for journalists was allowed to sunset.
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“Originally, the Hawaiʻi Shield Law of 2008 was nationally recognized and was viewed as model legislation that protected a fundamental component of the First Amendment and that is, freedom of the press,” Green said. “It is my pleasure to support our local journalists with the stroke of a pen.”
Act 127 (SB51) will increase the amount of fines that may be assessed against noncandidate committees for violations of organizational report and advertisement disclosure requirements. This bill will increase compliance with the reporting laws and help restore public trust in state government.
Act 128 (SB1493)prohibits lobbyist contributions and expenditures, and promises of contributions or expenditures, to any elected official, candidate, candidate committee, or individual who is required to file an organizational report with the Campaign Spending Comission during legislative sessions. This bill will help reduce undue influence and its appearance.
Act 129 (SB182) amends the filing deadline, the penalty for the unauthorized release of confidential financial disclosure information, and the fines imposed and procedures relating to disclosures of financial interests. By doing so, this bill will make the enforcement process for financial disclosure penalties more efficient, while also maintaining accountability.
Act 130 (HB986) enhances the criminal penalties for offenses involving public corruption. This bill establishes the criminal offense of official misconduct as a Class C felony. The new offense will prohibit a public servant from acting or refraining from performing an official duty with the intent to obtain a benefit other than the person’s lawful compensation, or submitting or inviting reliance on any false statement, document, or record. This bill will help build the public’s faith in government and provide law enforcement with a tool to deter and punish public corruption.
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Additional bills signed by Governor Green on June 23 included (click on links for details):
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