The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the state Office of Elections to hold off on making candidate paperwork available to political office seekers.
Nomination papers were going to be made available starting Tuesday. However, a group of residents filed a petition with the high court on Wednesday asking the justices to overturn redrawn legislative maps from the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission.

Those district boundaries determine where candidates can run and where residents can vote.
In its order, the state Supreme Court indicates that nomination papers won’t be made available until the legal challenge over the maps is resolved. The court also ordered the nine-member reapportionment commission and the state to file a response to the petition by March 3.
Bill Hicks is the lead plaintiff in the petition to the state’s highest court. He’s joined by 10 other Hawaii residents living on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
The plaintiffs contend that the new legislative maps do not comply with a requirement in the constitution that each Senate district be comprised of two House districts.
Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed.
Help power essential news and information
As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.
Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.
About the Author
-
Blaze Lovell is a reporter for Civil Beat. He was born and raised on Oʻahu. You can reach him at blovell@civilbeat.org or at 808-650-1585.