SB114 establishes a presidential preference primary election in Hawaii beginning with the 2028 election cycle and makes a series of conforming changes to the state election code to accommodate that new election. The bill defines “presidential preference primary,” sets filing deadlines and qualification rules for political parties and presidential candidates, and extends existing nomination-paper, objection, contest, ballot-format, and vote-counting provisions to presidential preference primaries. It also specifies that nonpartisan candidates will not appear on a presidential preference primary ballot and clarifies that the results of the presidential preference primary may not necessarily determine who appears on the general election ballot, which remains governed by existing law.
The bill also adjusts several election administration timelines and procedures. It creates a filing deadline for presidential candidates, sets a minimum signature requirement for presidential nomination papers, establishes a filing fee for presidential candidates, and authorizes objections and election contests on an expedited schedule tailored to presidential preference primaries. In addition, it directs the State to conduct the new presidential preference primary starting in 2028 and includes appropriations for both the Office of Elections and the counties to administer the election.
In terms of impact on state law, SB114 would amend multiple sections of Hawaii Revised Statutes chapters 11 and 12 governing election definitions, party qualification, nomination papers, ballot access, election contests, and the results of primary elections. It would create a new statutory election category for presidential preference primaries while preserving the existing framework for Hawaii’s general election ballot under section 11-113. The bill also makes technical changes to deadlines, candidate certifications, and ballot rules so that presidential preference primaries are treated as a distinct election process within the state’s election system.
The general sentiment reflected in the available record appears favorable, at least at the committee stage, because the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill with amendments by a 4-0 vote. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader support or opposition arguments. The unanimous committee vote suggests the bill was viewed as workable and procedurally important, though the amendments indicate members likely sought to refine the mechanics of the new election process.
The main points of contention implied by the bill itself are administrative and structural rather than partisan. The legislation raises questions about cost, implementation, and the relationship between a presidential preference primary and the national party nomination process, since the bill expressly notes that delegate selection and the ultimate nominee may be governed by national party rules. It also distinguishes between the presidential preference primary and the general election ballot, which could prompt concern from those worried about voter confusion, added election expenses, or the need to align state procedures with party rules and federal election timing.
SB114 would substantially amend Hawaii election law by adding a new definition for presidential preference primary elections and by integrating that election type into existing statutes governing party qualification, candidate nomination, ballot access, election contests, and election results. It would create new deadlines and requirements specific to presidential candidates and political parties, prohibit nonpartisan candidates from appearing in the presidential preference primary, and preserve existing rules for the general election ballot under section 11-113. The bill also authorizes state and county appropriations to cover administration of the 2028 presidential preference primary, shifting election administration responsibilities to the Office of Elections and the counties.
The available voting history suggests the bill was received positively in committee: the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB114 with amendments on a 4-0 vote. There are no transcript excerpts showing opposition or detailed debate, so the record reflects consensus at the committee stage rather than a fully developed public controversy. The amendments indicate the committee supported the concept but likely wanted to refine implementation details.
The bill’s likely areas of contention are practical and procedural. Because it creates a new statewide presidential preference primary, lawmakers may differ over the cost of administering another election, the appropriateness of using state funds and county grants, and whether the new process will meaningfully affect presidential nomination outcomes given national party rules. Another possible point of concern is the bill’s separation of the presidential preference primary from the general election ballot, which could raise questions about voter expectations, ballot design, and how closely Hawaii’s process should track national party delegate-selection rules.