HI SB2378

Establishes a nonpartisan primary and general election system for Office of Hawaiian Affairs board members, replacing the previous special election held in conjunction with the general election.

Primary election nominees two candidates for each available seat; candidates receiving over 50% of votes at primary are declared elected; if only two qualified candidates exist for an island-residency seat, both are nominated without appearing on primary ballot.

General election ballot lists all board candidates alphabetically with candidates for island-residency seats grouped by island; voters may vote for the number of available seats.

Allows island-residency seat candidates to be declared elected if only one qualified candidate files after nomination period closes; at-large seat candidates are limited to twice the number of available seats on general election ballot.

Implementation begins January 1, 2014; effective date of July 1, 2050.