Campaign reform
still undefined

---

By B.J. Reyes
Associated Press

The state House gave preliminary approval yesterday to a campaign-reform proposal after defeating an amendment proposed by Republicans who criticized the measure as not going far enough to ban large contributions from government contractors.

House Democrats disputed the claim, saying the bill will bring about more equity in campaign contributions.

Legislature Directory Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes

"Corporations have the same rights as everybody else," said Judiciary Vice Chairman Rep. Blake Oshiro (D, Aiea-Halawa). "When we try to limit free speech ... we need to be very careful."

The proposed amendment was offered by House Minority Leader Galen Fox (R, Waikiki-Ala Moana), who said the state should be guided by federal law which bars government contractors from donating to politicians.

Fox also criticized language in the bill that redefines what constitutes a campaign contribution.

Items considered legal contributions under the bill include volunteer services, use of a volunteer's personal property for campaign purposes -- including the cost of invitations, food or beverages less than $1,000 -- and independent expenditures and electioneering communications.

"A contribution is a contribution," Fox said. "The things this bill is trying to define out are, in fact, contributions."

The amendment was defeated 36-13 on a party-line vote with two members absent.

The bill appears headed to a House-Senate conference committee to work out differences in the proposal.