Challenging Citizens United

In Wayne Parsons’ work as a trial lawyer, he has focused on cases that address the influence of corporate power and its effects on everyday people. That perspective connects directly to the conversations happening in Hawai‘i. New legislative efforts are now being tested against the framework established by Citizens United v. FEC. The recent Hawai‘i law has drawn attention as part of an attempt to challenge the boundaries of that decision and explore new approaches to campaign finance reform at the state level.

Citizens United v. FEC is a 2010 Supreme Court decision that opened the door to unlimited corporate and outside spending in U.S. elections. It reshaped how campaigns are funded and fueled ongoing debate over the influence of big money in American democracy.

Hawai‘i has now passed a groundbreaking law challenging that framework. This marks a significant pushback against the effects of Citizens United. Supporters see it as an important step toward rebalancing campaign finance rules, while opponents are already preparing for a likely legal challenge.

In a recent Lever Time episode, journalist David Sirota speaks with Hawai‘i State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, one of the architects of the legislation. He explains how the measure works and why Hawai‘i is taking the lead in this fight.