STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1914

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 626

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 626, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VACANCIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend procedures for the filling of vacancies in the representation of districts of this State in the United States House of Representatives.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires the Chief Election Officer to issue a proclamation for a special election for a vacancy not later than fourteen days after the vacancy occurs;

(2) Requires the special election for the vacancy to be conducted by ranked choice voting; and

(3) Establishes provisions for the Governor to appoint individuals to temporarily fill vacancies.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from FairVote Action, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and the Oahu County Democrats Legislative Priorities Committee.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, Office of Elections, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that this measure will help minimize the effect that a vacancy in the United States House of Representatives may have and will ensure that residents of the State continue to have a voice in matters of national importance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 626, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair