S.B. 2239 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Hawaii's merit selection system for justices and judges with a system requiring them to be elected by qualified voters to serve six-year terms for all judicial levels (supreme court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts, and district courts).

• Eliminates the judicial selection commission and instead requires justices and judges to petition the senate for retention at the end of their terms, with the senate holding a public hearing and vote to consent or not consent to continuation.

• Authorizes the governor to make interim appointments for vacancies in the chief justice, supreme court, intermediate appellate court, and circuit court positions occurring within six months of a general election, with interim terms expiring on election day.

• Authorizes the chief justice to make interim appointments for district court vacancies occurring within six months of a general election, with interim terms expiring on election day.

• Requires voter approval through a statewide ballot question at the 2018 general election before the amendment takes effect.