HI HB1589

Amends Hawaii Constitution Article III, Section 4 to establish primary and general election system for state legislature seats where a candidate receiving a majority in the primary is elected, or the top two primary vote-getters advance to the general election.

Amends Hawaii Constitution Article V, Section 1 to apply the same primary-to-general election process for governor, replacing the current system where the highest vote-getter in the general election wins.

Amends Hawaii Constitution Article V, Section 2 to repeal the requirement that the lieutenant governor be elected at the same time as the governor and to eliminate the provision that votes for a gubernatorial nominee automatically count as votes for their party's lieutenant governor nominee.

Requires voter approval through constitutional referendum with the specific ballot question detailing the election system changes and lieutenant governor independence.

Takes effect upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution.