House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Karamatsu, vice chair: Ito

Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 2:00 P.M. Conference Room 325

Testifier: Jean Aoki, LWV of Hawaii Legislative Liaison

Click here to view HB510

Chair Karamatsu, Vice Chair Ito, members of the Judiciary Committee, The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB 510 which would prevent the kind of problem we experienced the past year when a councilmember withdrew on the last day for filing to run for office which resulted in so much confusion and missed opportunities for some. Whether the late withdrawal is by design or completely innocent of any selfish motive, the consequences are too important to be ignored. It is not only a missed opportunity for some hopeful candidates: it is taking away the right of citizens to encourage likely candidates and work for their nomination and election. HB 510 proposes one way of avoiding the problematic situation. we believe this may be the best solution. Thank your this opportunity to testify on this measure.