Hawaii Enacts Law to Limit Corporate Political Influence Post-Citizens United
Honolulu, Hawaii — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a new law Wednesday designed to curb corporate influence in state politics, marking a direct response to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling that allowed unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions.
The legislation, which takes effect July 1, prohibits corporations from making direct contributions to state candidates or political committees and imposes stricter disclosure requirements for political advertisements funded by corporate entities, according to the source. Violators face fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
“This law ensures Hawaii’s democracy isn’t for sale to the highest bidder,” said state Sen. J. Kalani English, a primary sponsor of the bill. The law explicitly defines corporate entities as those with 50 or more employees, focusing on large businesses while exempting small businesses and nonprofits.
The Citizens United decision, which struck down federal limits on corporate political spending, has fueled similar legislative efforts nationwide. Hawaii’s law joins state-level measures in California and New York aiming to mitigate the ruling’s impact through disclosure mandates and contribution restrictions.
Industry groups have criticized the law, arguing it unfairly targets businesses while allowing labor unions to maintain political spending flexibility. The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce issued a statement calling the law “a dangerous precedent that will deter investment.”
