Bill > SB5

This bill amends Hawaii's laws regarding legislative vacancies in the state senate and house of representatives to address a specific scenario where a legislative seat becomes vacant due to the death or permanent incapacitation of an incumbent before a primary election, but after the filing period has closed, and that incumbent was the only candidate on the ballot. In such cases, the governor's appointment to fill the vacancy would be valid not just for the unexpired term, but also for the next full term. The bill maintains existing provisions that require the governor to appoint a replacement within 60 calendar days, selecting from a list of three candidates submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent, and ensuring the appointee has been a member of that party for at least six months and resides in the same district. For incumbents who were not affiliated with a political party, the bill preserves the requirement that the replacement be a non-party member and district resident. The bill includes technical language clarifying that it does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date, and is set to take effect on January 1, 2525.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=5&year=2026