Bill > HB1395

This bill requires counties that use neighborhood boards to make two key changes to their local election processes: first, neighborhood board member terms will be limited to one year, preventing longer-serving board members; and second, voters will be able to participate in neighborhood board elections through both electronic and in-person voting methods, which aims to increase accessibility and voter participation. The bill also mandates that counties report to the Office of Elections about their compliance with these new requirements, and the chief election officer is tasked with informing the legislature about any county that fails to meet these standards. Additionally, the bill defines a "neighborhood board" as any board subject to part VII of chapter 92 and appropriates funds to help the City and County of Honolulu implement these changes, with the new law set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The overall intent appears to be increasing democratic participation and modernizing local neighborhood board election processes by reducing board member tenure and expanding voting options.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1395&year=2026