It’s time once again for another session of the Hawaii Legislature, and you know what that means: Lawmakers will ask for political contributions so they can run for re-election.

In fact, it’s already begun, less than a week from opening day and even while state House and Senate money committees are holding budget briefings.

On Wednesday night at the Mandalay Chinese restaurant, a short stroll from the Capitol, these lawmakers each asked for $150:

Sens. Glenn Wakai, Gil Keith-Agaran, Donovan Dela Cruz, Ron Kouchi and Mike Gabbard.

The person in charge of the joint fundraiser was Sen. Michelle Kidani.

On Thursday night, these four lawmakers will gather at Murphy’s Bar & Grill downtown to ask for contributions of $200:

Reps. Scott Saiki, Sylvia Luke, Mark Nakashima and Scott Nishimoto.

It is not illegal to ask for campaign money during a legislative session, even while lawmakers are being bombarded by some of the very same people who donate to them (e.g., lobbyists).

But it sure looks a little funny.