Rally outside Hopaco building at Makaala and Kalanianaole

HILO, Hawaii – A group gathered to sign wave for clean elections along Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo on Friday. Justin Avery of Global H.O.P.E. (Hawaii Organization for Peace and the Environment) spoke to us after the rally, and also sent us this media release before the event:

In 2008, Hawaii became the 9th state in the country to implement a comprehensive public funding (Clean Elections) program. A program was created for the Hawaii Island County Council elections beginning with the 2010 elections. That program was successful with the majority of winning county council members financed by the program. House Bill 2533 is currently making its way through the Hawaii State Legislature. It would create a Clean Election program for state representatives.

Carmille Lim, executive director of Common Cause Hawaii, said, “This bill is one of the most significant democracy reform measures currently before the Hawaii Legislature. House Bill 2533 has the potential to change Hawaii’s political landscape by requiring the candidates who opt-in to this program to focus on the concerns of the average constituent, instead of large donations from the wealthy donors and special interests who currently have a stronghold on Hawaii’s politics.” The Clean Elections bill from last legislative session, HB 1481 was killed in conference committee by Oahu legislator, Clayton Hee. Supporters of the bill are determined to pass Clean Election legislation this session.

Supporters include: The League of Women Voters, The Sierra Club, Common Cause, Public Citizen, Jimmy Carter, Nancy Pelosi, the Star Advertiser and the Honolulu Weekly.Justin Avery on March 4, 2014