Sierra Club violated Hawaii campaign spending law, commissioners said

By
Hawaii Reporter
-
4
4437
Matt LoPresti is the new representative in Ewa after beating the incumbent in the primary and two other candidates in the General election.
article top
Matt LoPresti is the new representative in Ewa after beating the incumbent in the primary and two other candidates in the General election.
Matt LoPresti is the new representative in Ewa after beating the incumbent in the primary and two other candidates in the General election.

HONOLULU – The Sierra Club of Hawaii spent $3,700 to create, print and mail a campaign flier in support of Matt LoPresti’s House campaign.

LoPresti ultimately defeated Rep. Rida Cabanilla in the 2014 primary election, and went on to win the general election.

But the state campaign spending commission said under Hawaii law, the Sierra Club mailer constitutes an illegal contribution to LoPresti’s campaign.

The campaign spending limit to a House candidate is $2,000, but the flier cost $1,700 above the limit.

Commissioners voted 3-1 Wednesday saying there was in fact a violation.

However, instead fining the Sierra Club $500 as staff recommended, commissioners issued a cease and desist order.

The Sierra Club is fighting the charge.

Comments

comments

4 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.