Bill > SB335

This bill modifies existing Hawaii election law regarding candidate nomination paper objections by changing the process for filing and resolving such objections. Specifically, the bill shifts the venue for objections filed by political party officers from circuit courts to the Office of Elections. Under the new provisions, when a political party objects to a candidate's nomination paper, the objection must be filed with the Office of Elections instead of the circuit court. The candidate will still be notified of the objection by registered or certified mail. The chief election officer or county clerk retains the authority to make a preliminary decision on the objection within five working days of filing, without providing an administrative contested case hearing. The bill also clarifies that complaints about a candidate's party membership must be filed with the Office of Elections no later than 4:30 p.m. on the sixtieth day before an election. These changes aim to streamline the process for addressing candidate nomination objections by centralizing the review process with the Office of Elections.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=335&year=2026