STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2874

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2247

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, 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 and intent of this measure is to prohibit certain political fundraising activities by certain executive branch employees.

Specifically, the measure provides that no executive branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position subject to confirmation by the Senate, once confirmed and until employment ends, shall:

(1) Organize, attend, host, or solicit contributions for any political fundraiser for any candidate for elective office; or

(2) Directly or indirectly solicit campaign contributions from any person.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Hawaii State Ethics Commission, Campaign Spending Commission, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, HULI PAC, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that, when prominent executive branch employees solicit campaign contributions, the public may be concerned that those solicitations, and any resulting contributions, could unduly influence contract awards. Your Committee believes that the prohibitions imposed by this measure are necessary to avoid the potential appearance of impropriety, and to ensure public trust in governmental decision-making.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair