HI HB1263

Amends Section 26-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to modify the order of succession to the office of lieutenant governor when the office becomes vacant.

Adds political party affiliation requirements: the president of the senate must be of the same political party as the governor to assume the lieutenant governor duties.

Adds political party affiliation requirements: the speaker of the house of representatives must be of the same political party as the governor to assume the lieutenant governor duties.

Inserts a new position in the succession order: a person appointed by the governor who is a member of the same political party as the governor and is constitutionally qualified to hold the office of lieutenant governor.

Maintains the existing succession line of attorney general, director of finance, comptroller, director of taxation, and director of human resources development, with the option for any officer to decline the powers and duties without resigning from their current office.