CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 2-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2466

H.D. 2

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 2466, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to specify that the Chief Election Officer may only be terminated for cause.

Your Committee on Conference finds that the Chief Election Officer performs critical functions in the electoral process, including the certification of elections. This measure will protect the Chief Election Officer from termination due to arbitrary or partisan reasons, ensuring that competent and ethical officials preside over elections in the State.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by making it effective upon its approval.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2466, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2466, H.D. 2, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA Co-Chair	____________________________ KARL RHOADS Chair
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair