Bill > SB1515

This bill modifies Hawaii's election laws to address challenges with the Board of Registration by allowing on-call circuit court judges to perform the board's duties when it lacks full membership. Specifically, the legislation creates a new definition for "on-call circuit judge" and amends multiple sections of Hawaii's election statutes to enable these judges to handle election-related disputes, voter challenges, and registration appeals that would traditionally have been managed by the Board of Registration. The bill's rationale stems from the observation that with Hawaii's transition to vote-by-mail, fewer immediate voter challenge resolutions are needed, and most Board of Registration decisions are typically appealed to appellate courts. To streamline the process, the bill requires the Judiciary to designate one or more on-call circuit judges in each judicial circuit who can step in when the Board of Registration is not fully staffed. These judges will have the authority to hear and resolve election-related disputes, review voter challenges, and make decisions about voter registration, with their rulings subject to appeal to the intermediate appellate court. The changes are designed to create a more efficient and responsive system for handling election-related legal matters, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1515&year=2026