STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1980-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2247

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO POLITICAL FUNDRAISING BY EXECUTIVE BRANCH EMPLOYEES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit any executive branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position that is subject to confirmation by the Senate from engaging in certain campaign fundraising activities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Campaign Spending Commission; Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that high‑level executive branch employees who participate in political fundraising may create an appearance of undue influence over state procurement decisions. Safeguarding public confidence in the integrity of government requires maintaining clear boundaries that prevent even the perception of "pay‑to‑play" practices. This measure helps address that concern by prohibiting a narrowly defined class of executive employees from attending or participating in political fundraising activities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that this measure applies to executive branch employees who:

(A) Are nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position subject to confirmation by the Senate; and

(B) Exercise authority or significant influence over the solicitation, award, or administration of state contracts;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair