To Provide that the Senate Receives Written Notice of the Governor’s or the Chief Justice’s Appointments, as Applicable, to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Chief Justice, Supreme Court, Intermediate Appellate Court, Circuit Courts, and District Courts Concurrently with the Appointment

Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL) - chair: Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, vice chair: Maile S.L. Shimabukuro

Friday, March 20, 2015, 2:00 p.m., Room 308

Testifier: Joan Platz, Legislative Committee Member, LWV of Hawaii

Click here to view SB615 SD1

Chair Keith Agaran, Vice-Chair Shimabukuro, and Committee Members: The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports SB615, SD1. This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to provide that the Senate receives written notice of the governor’s or the chief justice’s appointments to fill a vacancy in the office of chief justice, supreme court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts, and district courts concurrently with the appointment. This amendment would ensure that the Senate has received a formal notice about appointments to facilitate its constitutional duties to advise and give consent regarding appointments. It is clear that this amendment’s intent is to improve communication and transparency in government, and its passage would benefit policy makers and the public. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of this measure.