What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Key topics include:

• New faces: Introduction of new Commissioner Wesley Bogdan (appointed by Governor Josh Green) and new staff member Hannah Mikitowicz.
• A proposed settlement: A case involving Mayor La Costa 2026 for filing a required campaign finance report late. A small fine of $66.67 is proposed to resolve it.
• Proposed laws for the 2027 legislative session, including four campaign finance bills:
  • CSC-01: Excess cash campaign donations over $100 that aren't returned within 30 days would go to the state election fund.
  • CSC-02: Companies and grantees with large government contracts or grants — and their officers and immediate family — would be banned from making political contributions during the contract or grant period.
  • CSC-03: Elected officials would be prohibited from raising campaign money during legislative sessions.
  • CSC-04: A pay adjustment for the Commission's top staff to match similar enforcement roles in government.
• Staff updates on election reporting compliance, the 2026 Primary Election, upcoming meeting dates, and a technical server migration.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting
• Vote on accepting the proposed fine settlement for the late filing case
• Vote on which proposed bills to support for the 2027 legislative session

Who Should Pay Attention

• Candidates and campaign committees filing disclosure reports
• Government contractors and grantees who make political donations
• Elected officials who fundraise during legislative sessions
• Voters and residents interested in campaign finance transparency