Bill > HB1078

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding how legislative vacancies are filled in the state senate and house of representatives. Specifically, it provides the governor with discretion to delay appointing a replacement when a legislative seat becomes vacant within 120 days of an upcoming primary election. Under the new provision, instead of immediately filling the vacancy as previously required, the governor can wait to make an appointment until seven calendar days after the primary election results are officially certified. This change applies to both state senate and state representative positions. The bill maintains the existing requirements that any appointee must generally be from the same political party as the previous incumbent, be a resident of the same district, and have been a party member for at least six months. The purpose of this legislation appears to be providing more flexibility in the timing of legislative appointments, potentially allowing for a more strategic approach to filling unexpected vacancies near election periods.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1078&year=2026