HI HB621

Creates an elected Board of Education with 13 members: 10 elected at-large from Oahu's first school board district and 3 elected at-large from the second school board district (Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai islands), with specific residency requirements for designated departmental school districts.

Establishes election procedures including primary and general elections for board candidates, nomination paper requirements, and ballot formatting; declares candidates with top two votes in primary as nominees for general election.

Board members serve four-year terms beginning after special elections held with general elections; members elected in 2020 are divided into two classes with initial staggered terms (7 members for four years, remaining for two years) to establish rotation.

Fills board vacancies through gubernatorial appointment for unexpired terms, or through special election if vacancy occurs at least 85 days before the next general election; appointments must meet residency requirements but are made without party affiliation consideration.

Allows board members to receive transportation fares between islands and personal expenses while attending meetings or official business requiring travel; establishes board organization with chairperson and vice chairperson elected from membership, requiring majority quorum to conduct business.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.