HI HB2245

Changes Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member elections from a special election held with the general election to a two-stage process of nomination at a primary election followed by election at the general election in even-numbered years.

Requires the chief election officer to prepare nomination papers allowing candidates to specify whether they are seeking a seat with residency requirements on a particular island or a seat without residency requirements.

Establishes that the two candidates receiving the most votes for each available seat at the primary election shall be nominated for the general election, unless a candidate receives more than 50% of votes at the primary (making them elected) or only two candidates qualify for an island-specific seat.

Exempts candidates from appearing on the primary ballot if only two qualified candidates filed for an island-specific seat after the nomination filing deadline closes.

Takes effect upon approval.