LOBBYING E-FILING

Lobbying E-Filing Portal

 

 

Account & Browser Requirements

If you are a new user, you will need to sign up for an account.  If you already have one, login to your account.  Please use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.  Do not use Internet Explorer.

User Accounts

In order to use the E-Filing System, you must have an account.

  • Lobbyist User Accounts are for external lobbyists and employees of a lobbying firm. Sign-up for a Lobbyist User Account.
  • Client/Organization User Accounts are for in-house lobbyists, and company employees/representatives.  Sign-up for a Client/Organization User Account.

Lobbyist Registrations FAQs

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Do I need to register as a Lobbyist?

Check our Lobbying Registration Quick Guide, or contact our office for more information.

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Do I need to file a Lobbyist Registration for each client that I represent?

Yes. File a separate Lobbyist Registration for each Client/Organization that you represent.

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Can I file a lobbyist registration for someone else?

You may register other associates in your lobbying firm or your company as long as each person has a user account that is linked to your firm or organization.

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What if the client/organization is doing business under a different name?

List both the legal name and the “dba” name.

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How often do I need to renew my lobbyist registration?

The Hawai‘i State Legislature operates on a biennial legislative system, starting in every odd year. For example, if you registered for 2023-2024, your registration is valid until December 31, 2024.

If you continue to lobby for the same client after that time, you’ll need to file a new registration before the next cycle begins.

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How do I terminate my lobbyist registration?

You can terminate your lobbyist registration through your e-filing account. Click on the Lobbyist Registration tab on the menu bar and select your registration form.

Click File Termination (top right). In the pop-up window, select the effective termination date (the current date is set as default), select the reason for termination, and check the certification box. Then click Save to file the termination notice.

The lobbyist who was terminated is the only person who will receive an email confirmation. Therefore, if you are filing on behalf of someone else, you will not receive an email; instead, you can check the filing on the Lobbyist Registration tab.

All lobbyist registrations automatically expire on December 31st at the end of the legislative biennium (which ends in an even-numbered year).

 

Organizational Expenditure Reports FAQs

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How do I create an expenditure report?

Click on the Expenditures Reports on the menu bar and then click on the New button to create a form.

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Where do I enter Lobbyists’ Compensation?

After you click Save on the initial window, scroll down to the Lobbyist Compensation section on your form. A list of all registered lobbyists for the selected Organization should be automatically populated on your form based on registrations as of that date. If you have more than 6 registered lobbyists, click View All to see the full list.

Be sure to verify the names of the lobbyist(s) listed on your form. The list should include lobbyists who were terminated during the reporting period (so you can report their final compensation). If someone is not listed, check if the person is registered in the E-filing System.

Note: Lobbyists do not need to file a separate Lobbyist Expenditure Report if all lobbyist compensation and lobbying-related expenditures are reported by the Client/Organization on an Organization Expenditure Report.

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Do I need to file a Special Session report?

  • If you lobbied during a Special Session of the Legislature, please file your Special Session lobbying report within thirty days (30) after the Special Session.  If you did not lobby on matters considered during the Special Session, you are not required to file a Special Session report.
  • What to Report?  The special session report covers the reporting period from May 1 through adjournment sine die of the special session.  To avoid duplicate reporting, expenditures and contributions listed on the special session report should be excluded from any regular lobbying reports filed thereafter.
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When are expenditure reports due?

Here is the filing deadline for the last 2024 report:

Friday, January 31, 2025

  • Lobbying Expenditures and Contributions Reports for May 1-December 31, 2024

Here are the filing deadlines for 2025 reports:

Monday, March 31, 2025

  • Lobbying Expenditures and Contributions Reports for January 1-February 28, 2025

Monday, June 2, 2025

  • Lobbying Expenditures and Contributions Reports for March 1-April 30, 2025

Monday, February 2, 2026

  • Lobbying Expenditures and Contributions Reports for May 1-December 31, 2025

 

 

Mandatory Lobbyist Training FAQs

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Who needs to take Mandatory Lobbyist Training?

Effective April 19, 2023, ALL lobbyists must complete a lobbyist training course prior registering as a lobbyist, and repeat the training at least once every two years.

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How do I take the Mandatory Lobbyist Training?

 

 

E-Filing Accounts FAQs

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How do I create an account for an external lobbyists and/or employees of lobbying firms (e.g., administrative assistants, paralegals, and other staff)?

Please see the Lobbyist User Quick Guide

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How do I create an account for an in-house lobbyist or representative of the client/organization?

Please see the Organization User Quick Guide

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Additional Lobbying E-Filing Resources

If you have any questions, please see our Lobbying E-Filing System FAQs or contact the Commission’s office for further assistance.

 

QUESTIONS/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE?  Contact the State Ethics Commission’s office at (808) 587-0460 or [email protected]