HI HB1087

Replaces the special election process for Office of Hawaiian Affairs board trustees with a nonpartisan primary and general election system, effective with the 2014 elections.

Implements a primary election to narrow the candidate pool, requiring the two candidates receiving the highest votes for each seat to advance to the general election, unless a candidate receives over 50% of primary votes and is declared elected.

Addresses the problem of vote dispersal among numerous candidates in the previous system, where winning candidates received as little as 4.1% of total votes cast in 2000 and 23.8% in 2012.

Maintains island residency requirements for certain trustee seats while establishing at-large seats without residency requirements, with the general election limited to no more than twice the number of qualified candidates as available seats.

Modifies vacancy procedures and board member terms to reference the general election rather than the previous special election framework.