Bill > SB1397

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding state legislative vacancies by providing the Governor with additional flexibility in filling vacant Senate and House of Representatives seats. Specifically, if a legislative vacancy occurs 120 days or less before the next primary election, the Governor can choose not to immediately fill the position. Instead, the Governor is required to make an appointment no later than seven calendar days after the primary election results are certified. This change applies to both state senators and state representatives, and maintains the existing requirements that any appointed replacement must generally be from the same political party as the previous incumbent and reside in the same district. The bill aims to give the Governor discretion in timing legislative appointments when a vacancy occurs close to an upcoming primary election, potentially allowing voters more input into who will represent their district. The new provisions are an exception to previous laws that mandated more immediate appointments to fill legislative vacancies, and the bill will take effect upon approval.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1397&year=2026