HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 011 05/31/2005 2004-2006 RF,PORT OF THF.
('OMMITTFF, ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTFRGOVERNMFNTAL RELATIONS
f)A I1C: Mug 31. 200 RI?: Comm. No. 264/ Res. No. 95-05
PI.~~CI~.: ('ouncih'ootn
~I'IMI~:: 9:U5 a.m.
Chair and Mcmhers
I lawai'i ('ount~ ('ouncil
I lilo, I lawai'i 96720
Y"orn' Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations. to which was referred
RcsuluUon 95-05, reports as lollows:
Resolution 95-05_ u~ansmilled via Communication 264, dated May 4, 2005, from Virginia Isbell.
Council Vice ('hair, supports a>mprehensive public funding of election campaigns.
('ouncil Member I)r. Ih'ed I lolschuh asked Ms. Isbell why this resolution was being introduced,
giccn that public funding is already available. Ur. Holschuh explained that the reason he asked this
question was because he was involved in a high profile mayoral election in 2000 against Mayor
I tarn I~im, who is widcl~ known. and that without private campaign contributions. it would have
been impossible lur him to gain any public exposure. Under current rules. the amount of public
funding is small and it would be hard to imagine running a campaign if a candidate limits himsclfor
hcrsdf to only public funding.
Ms. Isbell explained that this resolution is part of die clu~n campaign movement. 'fhe idea of a clean
campaign is to ha~c as lilllr special intcrest (private) money as possible. 'I~his movement is
supported by the League of Women Voters and some members of the State Legislature_ among
others. tihe also stated that this resolution was intended for this year's Legislative Session; however.
i~ can still he applied to next year. Keeping special intcrest money out of the election process would
ensure a clean campaign b~ helping candidates avoid being controlled by special interest groups.
I h'. I lolx huh fdt that he could not he controlled by anyone. For candidates who are unknown and
running against a wdl-known candidate, the lack of money ~~>r advertising can be a limiting lector in
an election. and that there should he more forums so candidates can get their messages out to the
public. I)r- I lolschuh continued by saying that he thought the Legislature should play a part in
passing legislation to address this issue and requested that copies of bills relating to dean campaigns
he made a~ailahle.
('ouncil Member Gary SaCu~ik agreed that a Ievcl playing field in elections is a goal most can share.
Rut, the rationale should not be that it somebody gives money to a candidate then it is not a clean
election. Mr. Salarik also noted Ihat he was aware of dean campaign discussions during the past
I.cgislati~c Session, but still had questions about how the process would work. For example would
it he possible to use a mixture of private and public funds to finance a campaign since there is a limit
un the amount of public funds'? I Ic aroduded by saying that while clean campaign Icgislation is
important, it is sill a work in progress.
PWIRC RI'.POR'f NO. 1 I
Council Member Rob .facobsun supports the resolution. because the public perception of the election
process and of elected ofticiuls is very important Ile also noted that various groups support the
concept of clean elections, such as HARP, League of Women Voters. and various community
?cticists. Mr..tacobson stated [hat he is lamiliar with some parts of the clean campaign legislation.
I Ir explained that to qualify for public linancing, a certain number of registered voters Isom your
district Inch wish a live dollar donation. would be required to sign up to validate a candidate. In
addition. participation is voluntary. and that there is a provision for matching funds. Mr..Iacohson
further staled that there arc dilTcrent approaches to addressing this issue. However, the Council does
not base the authorih~ to change election laws as that power resides with the Legislature. I.ikc
Ih~. I lokehnh. Mr..lacobson noted that under current regulations, public funding is limited. and it
~~ould he difficult to run a campaign financed solely by public funds.
Also in support of the resolution seas Council Member K. Angel Pilago, who said that this resolution
sets the tone Ihr Bran elections and clean government. Further, this resolution gives the Council
~~encrul direction, and is supported by grassroots organisations and the major political parties.
Council Member .lames Arakaki cautioned that there might be unintended consrqucnces. such as
limiting candidates to those who arc rich or those who are looking Ibr john, and that it would exclude
the working people.
Mr. Arakaki oiled "kanaiua times two."'
lour Commiucc on Public Works and Inicrgovermnental Relations is in accord with the intent and
purpose of Resolution 95-0~ and recommends its adoption.
nRnknKl X COMMI'I~~fLI? ON PUI31dC WORKS AND
I IIGA X (NfERGOVERNMI?N~I'AI. RI~;LA~I'IONS
IIOI'fMnNN X
IIOI,SClllill X
I~Cldl~a I _ X Donald Ikeda. Chair
~JncO13ti<)N X PWIRCRF.POR~I~NO. Il
PII.nGU X
snrnlifl~ h n[>oP~rf;n: JUN 1 5 2005