Adrian Tam on Legislative Reform: A Conversation with Hawaii’s Lawmaker and State Party Chair

Adrian Tam, a young member of the Hawaii Legislature and interim chair of the state Democratic Party, is pushing for significant reforms in the state government. In a recent interview, Tam highlighted the need for a full-time Legislature, applying the Sunshine Law to the Legislature, and banning campaign contributions during the legislative session.

Tam emphasized the importance of a full-time Legislature, stating that legislating is not a part-time job and that constituents should not have to wait years for their ideas to be heard. He also expressed support for term limits for legislators, suggesting a middle ground of around 16 years.

On the topic of campaign finance reform, Tam advocated for full public financing of campaigns and addressed the influence of money in politics. He also discussed the challenges of implementing reforms in the face of pressing issues like wildfires and housing shortages.

As interim chair of the Democratic Party, Tam has focused on boosting fundraising and member morale. He highlighted the party’s support for reform issues and the importance of Democratic legislators aligning with the party platform. Tam also discussed the process of candidates submitting statements on party platforms and the implications of not doing so.

Overall, Tam emphasized the need for change and reform in Hawaii’s government, acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved in the process. He stressed the importance of legislators representing their constituents and working towards a more transparent and accountable government.