Hawaii House Bill HB1420

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Proposing To Amend Sections Of Article V Of The Hawaii State Constitution.

Impact

The bill necessitates a significant shift in Hawaii's electoral framework, where currently the gubernatorial candidates and their running mates are elected separately. By altering this practice, the bill aims to enhance the continuity and stability of governance. Furthermore, it establishes protocols for when the governor's office becomes vacant, whereby the lieutenant governor temporarily assumes the governor's responsibilities, thereby ensuring that the executive functions of the state continue without interruption. If the vacancy occurs with a substantial portion of the gubernatorial term remaining, a special election will be held to fill the positions of both governor and lieutenant governor.

Summary

House Bill 1420 proposes amendments to Article V of the Hawaii State Constitution, fundamentally changing the processes of election and succession for the governor and lieutenant governor. The bill mandates that political parties' gubernatorial nominees select their running mates for lieutenant governor during primary elections, effectively unifying the election process for these two key offices. This change is intended to foster a closer working relationship between the governor and lieutenant governor, promoting better governance and productivity.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at streamlining the election process and ensuring effective governance, it raises debates on the implications of making the lieutenant governor's candidacy dependent on the gubernatorial nominee. Critics may argue that this could limit voter choice in elections, as voters may feel compelled to vote for a party ticket rather than choosing candidates based solely on their qualifications. Additionally, concerns are likely to arise regarding the handling of special elections, as the logistics and timing could complicate governance during transition periods.