REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT AN INDIVIDUAL FROM WITHIN THE OFFICE OF ELECTIONS TO TEMPORARILY SERVE AS THE ACTING CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY.

SR109

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

109

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the governor to appoint an individual from
within the office of elections to temporarily serve as the acting chief
election officer in the event of a vacancy
.

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WHEREAS, free,
fair, and certified elections are the foundation of a transparent and
functioning democracy; and

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WHEREAS, in
Hawaii, article IV, section 3, of the Hawaii State Constitution, requires the
Legislature to provide for a Chief Election Officer of the State, whose role is
to supervise state elections and perform related duties as provided by law; and

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WHEREAS, section
11-155, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Chief Election Officer to
compile, certify, and release the election results in state elections; and

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WHEREAS, if a
vacancy were to occur without a clear interim successor, there would be no one
authorized to compile, certify, and release the results of state elections,
undermining public trust, creating legal ambiguity, and potentially
disenfranchising voters across the State; and

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WHEREAS, without
a designated backup to the Chief Election Officer, the State risks facing a significant
disruption in election administration authority at a critical moment in its
electoral process; and

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WHEREAS, at a
time when election integrity is being challenged nationwide, the State must
ensure continuity, clarity, and stability in its election administration; now,
therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that the Governor is requested to appoint an
individual from within the Office of Elections to temporarily serve as the
acting Chief Election Officer in the event of a vacancy in the following order
of succession:

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(1)
�
The supervisor of election support services to
the extent available to serve, and if not, then;

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(2)
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The general counsel to the extent available to
serve, and if not, then;

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(3)
�
The supervisor of counting center operations
to the extent available to serve, and if not, then;

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(4)
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The supervisor of ballot operations to the
extent available to serve, and if not, then; and

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(5)
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The supervisor of voter services to the extent
available to serve; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Governor and Chief Election Officer.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Chief
Election Officer; Governor; Interim Appointment; Vacancy