UPDATED State Sen. Glenn Wakai, an Oahu Democrat, is one of the first members of the Hawaii Legislature to hold a campaign fundraiser during the 2015 session.

Wakai’s fundraiser is set for Wednesday evening at Mandalay Restaurant, a short walk from the Capitol. The asking donation is $150.

But, contrary to an earlier post, he’s not the first. That honor goes to Sen. Gil Kahele of the Big Island. He had a fundraiser at Mandalay on the 28th of January at $50 a head. Sorry, Glenn — my bad.

I only looked at folks up for re-election in 2016 who have filed fundraiser notices, not those who are up in 2018.

So, thanks to a reader more akamai than I, I have since learned that Sen. Brickwood Galuteria is also raising money at Mandalay Wednesday night, but at $50 per person.

(Note: The senator amended his filing Wednesday and is now asking for $150.)

Galuteria is from Oahu, and word is that other Oahu senators are seeking contributions as well Wednesday night. When I have confirmation from the state Campaign Spending Commission, I’ll blog accordingly.

Flickr: Tax Credits

Some say that it’s no big deal to raise money from people and groups even while you might be hearing legislation of special interest to them. Others say it smacks of flagrant influence-buying.

One thing is for sure: It’s legal in Hawaii. Cha-ching!

Several other lawmakers held fundraisers shortly before the Legislature opened Jan. 21.

Indeed, three of them — House Reps. John Mizuno of Oahu, Cindy Evans of the Big Island and Dee Morikawa of Kauai — raised their money together the night before lawmakers kicked off Opening Day festivities.

It took place at Cafe Julia — another short walk from the Capitol — and the suggested donation was a green Ben Franklin.

And this just in (albeit belatedly): Sen. Josh Green from the Big Island also sought cash that same night. It was for $500 a pop at Little Village restaurant.