STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3764

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1339

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 1339 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IMPEACHMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish requirements for institution of and causes for impeachment of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that currently there is no process provided for in the Hawaii Revised Statutes for the impeachment of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor in the Hawaii Revised Statutes for cases when high crimes and misdemeanors are committed. The process by which a Governor or Lieutenant Governor may be removed from office should be clearly articulated and transparent. This measure provides for that process.

Your Committee notes that federal case law and its application should be considered for guidance on the definition of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1339, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair