For too long, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has been a corrupt, self-serving institution that ignores the will of the people. It has become nothing more than a political cartel, controlled by special interests, corporate money, and an entrenched Democratic Party machine that exists to serve itself—not the people of Hawaiʻi.

Every year, residents testify, protest, and petition for change—and every year, lawmakers either ignore, kill, or water down the reforms Hawaiians demand. Why? Because the Legislature is not designed to serve us. It is designed to maintain control, funnel power to an elite few, and ensure that the cycle of pay-to-play politics continues.

At this point, engaging with the Legislature is a waste of time. The system is rigged against the people, and the only way forward is to boycott the existing political system and build a new one from the ground up. The Hawaiʻi First Political Party is the answer.

The Hawaiʻi Legislature: A Broken System Beyond Reform

1. The Legislature Ignores the People

Public testimony means nothing. Lawmakers already decide the fate of bills behind closed doors before any public hearing takes place.

Powerful committees—controlled by the Speaker of the House and Senate President—block bills without accountability, even if the public overwhelmingly supports them.

Special interests, real estate developers, and corporate lobbyists have more influence than voters.

2. Pay-to-Play Politics Controls the State

Big money from corporations, developers, and mainland investors controls the Legislature.

Politicians protect the status quo to ensure campaign donations keep flowing.

Land-use policies benefit wealthy outsiders while Hawaiians are priced out of their own homeland.

3. One-Party Rule = No Democracy

The Hawaiʻi Democratic Party is a monopoly, ensuring there is no real opposition or debate.

Elections are rigged in favor of incumbents through gerrymandering and backroom deals.

Politicians serve their own interests, not the will of the people.

4. The System Protects Itself

Corrupt officials and legislators rarely face consequences for unethical behavior.

Lawmakers ignore calls for reform on ethics, campaign finance, and government transparency.

Even when caught in corruption, politicians resign with full benefits and no accountability.