REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO REPLACE THE CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, ELECTED BY VOTERS, TO OVERSEE ELECTIONS.

This bill requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to study whether Hawaii should replace its appointed Chief Election Officer with a Secretary of State elected by voters to oversee elections. The study will examine current laws governing election administration and outline the legal steps needed to make such a change. It compares Hawaii's current system with other states, noting that 33 states elect their chief election officials while 47 have a Secretary of State position. The Legislative Reference Bureau must submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to lawmakers before the 2027 regular session begins.