Bill > HB104

This bill modifies Hawaii's election laws regarding candidate nomination objections by changing the process for filing and resolving challenges to candidate nominations. Specifically, the bill shifts the venue for filing objections from circuit courts to the Office of Elections, particularly for objections made by political party officers. Under the new provisions, if a political party objects to a candidate's nomination paper (such as challenging the candidate's party membership), the party must file the complaint with the Office of Elections instead of a circuit court, and must do so no later than 4:30 p.m. on the sixtieth day before the election. The bill also updates language around notification procedures, ensuring that candidates are informed of objections via registered or certified mail. The chief election officer or county clerk will have the authority to make preliminary decisions on objection merits within five working days of an objection being filed, though this does not guarantee the candidate an administrative hearing. These changes aim to streamline the candidate nomination objection process by centralizing review at the Office of Elections and establishing clearer timelines for challenge resolution.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=104&year=2026