Hawaii

Hawaii’s highest court is the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii. The court has four associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is appointed under the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Hawaii Constitution)

Judicial Selection

The governor nominates a candidate to the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term. Justices may stand for reappointment by the state’s judicial selection commission to additional terms. The governor nominates a judicial candidate to fill an interim vacancy from a list provided by a judicial selection commission. The governor’s selection must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. The appointed justice serves a 10-year term. The mandatory retirement age is 70.

State Constitution

Hawaii’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1950.  As of January 1, 2024, it had 114 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)