Because you took action, made the phone call, sent the email, showed up to testify, and kept pressing hard all the way through – SB2471 has been passed into law!

Now known as Act 011, it restricts certain political spending in Hawaiʻi by corporations and other “artificial persons”, helping move our state closer to a democracy where political power belongs to people, not corporate bank accounts and “Citizens United”.

To be clear, this is a very big deal, politically earthshaking, and making news across the country. See this Associated Press (AP) article “New Hawaii law targets corporate influence in politics after Citizens United ruling”.

Yes of course it will be taken to court by the Big Money guys. But smart lawyers from across the country believe SB2471/Act011 will withstand judicial challenge.

Read this excellent overview by Aria Juliet Castillo, the Reclaiming Democracy Program Director for HAPA – “Major Win! Governor Green Signs Historic Corporate Money Reform Into Law”.

This would not have happened without the active involvement of regular citizens like yourself, making those calls, sending the emails, and showing up to testify.

Aria Juliet Castillo and I will be digging deep into SB2471 now Act 011, on our video/podcast Policy + Politics this coming Monday May 18 at 5pm. We will be live on YouTube and Facebook discussing this legislative milestone – other “post session” topics – and of course “next steps”!

Take a moment now to pat yourself on the back, and high-five a friend and ally.

Take another moment to reach out and thank those legislators responsible for pushing SB2471 through the process, and the governor who signed it into law.

Now before we turn to the next action:
Go outside, smell the plumeria, listen to Brother Iz, and recharge.
Take some time for yourself.

Then, mark your calendar for May 27, 2026, at 9:00am and join the 8 citizen plaintiffs in Acasio V House of Representatives in Honolulu as they seek a motion for summary judgment at the First Judicial Circuit, Tenth Division at Ka`ahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, 4th Floor, Courtroom 17 –

I’ll be there and hoping we can fill the room in quiet respectful support of the 8 plaintiffs – who are fighting this court battle on our behalf.

The core issue is simple and straightforward.

The State legislature should follow the State Constitution and STOP making committee decisions in secret meetings behind closed doors.

Article III of the Hawaii State Constitution explicitly states, “Every meeting of a committee in either house … held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”

The argument before the court on May 27th is based on the fact that when convened during the start of the 2025 legislative session, the House Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure conducted 100% of its deliberations and decision making in total secrecy. The committee did not hold any public meetings whatsoever.

For background, read this StarBulletin piece I’ve pasted in my blog (so there’s no paywall) and linked here: Acasio, Aiwohi, Alcubilla, Aynessazian, Cobeen, Cobeen, Pahia and Ikeuchi v. House of Representatives

Please show up if you can to support these 8 citizen champions.

Regardless of where you live, please also chip in and help with the legal expenses.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – Go to the their GoFundMe site and give something – 100 people donating $100 apiece would bring them current with all outstanding expenses as they enter into this critical “down the home stretch” phase of the legal journey.

Whether it’s $100, or $50, or $20 – or whatever you can afford and feel good about giving – PLEASE help. The GoFundMe site makes it very easy.

Mahalo plenty for taking action on SB2471 AND for helping the 8 citizen plaintiffs.

Your help and involvement – matters.

Sincerely,

Gary Hooser