Public First Law Center
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Public First Law Center operates a law center advancing the constitutional and statutory rights of the people of Hawaii by investigating government activity that appears to be misaligned with constitutional intent, illegal, ineffective and/or inefficient; advocating for the implementation of corrective measures in and out of the courts; and enforcing such corrective measures and rights.
- Income
- $564,842
- Spending
- $552,338
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $227,301, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $117,300 spent. To provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals and organizations harmed when the government does not comply with State and Federal constitutions, laws, or common law. Legal services include advising individuals and organizations of their legal rights and assisting with litigation.
- $318,642 spent. Advise individuals and organizations about their rights by organizing seminars and other programs, and enforce the general public's constitutional and statutory rights by seeking corrective measures in and out of the courts.
- $4,528 spent. Assist state legislators with drafting legislation and promoting legislation that helps promote the public interest.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.