The Interfaith Alliance Hawai‘i joined the Hawai‘i Clean Elections Coalition in their effort to offer a new voluntary method of election campaigns that aims to cut ties between the special interest money and the legislative process.

Joining the Hawai‘i Clean Elections Coalition on their lobby for campaign finance reform is obligatory. As members of faith, we seek a more open, responsible and ethical government.

The Comprehensive Public Funding of Election Campaigns program is really the reform that makes all other reforms possible. The belief that elected officials are more responsive to issues that benefit the public when their campaigns are paid for by the public, creating a one-to-one relationship between the voter and the elected official without the intrusion of contributors who want a pay back for their contribution.

In addition, this reform will give qualified candidates the opportunity to run for office regardless of wealth or access to it, and free candidates and elected officials from the burdens of fundraising, allowing them more time to serve the public.

A bill “Relating to Elections” — the Comprehensive Public Funding of Election Campaigns — will begin the process to bring the public funding of election campaigns option to the people of Hawai‘i.