Governor of Hawaii facts for kids
The Governor of Hawaii (which is Ke Kiaʻaina o Hawaiʻi in Hawaiian) is like the main boss of the U.S. state of Hawaii. This person is in charge of the state government and all its different groups and departments, as explained in Hawaii's State Constitution. People in Hawaii vote directly to choose their governor.
Quick facts for kids Governor of Hawaii |
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Standard of the governor
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Gubernatorial logo
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| Government of Hawaii | |
| Residence | Washington Place |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once consecutively |
| Precursor | Governor of Hawaii Territory |
| Inaugural holder | William F. Quinn |
| Formation | August 21, 1959 |
| Succession | Line of succession |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii |
| Salary | $165,048 |
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The governor makes sure that laws passed by the Hawaii State Legislature are followed. They also uphold decisions made by the Hawaii State Courts. The governor is also the leader of Hawaii's armed forces. They can use these forces to make sure laws are followed, stop rebellions, and protect the state from attacks. If the governor is away from Hawaii or can't do their job, the lieutenant governor of Hawaii steps in as acting governor. For a long time, Hawaii's governors have been from either the Democratic Party of Hawaii or the Hawaii Republican Party.
The current governor of Hawaii is Democrat Josh Green. He started his job on December 5, 2022. Hawaii was the first U.S. state to have a chief executive who was Asian American. This was George Ariyoshi, who served three terms between 1974 and 1986.
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Becoming Governor: What It Takes
The governor of Hawaii can serve for two terms, and each term lasts four years. They can be re-elected, but if they serve two terms in a row, they must wait at least one election cycle before running again. The new governor officially starts their job on the first Monday in December after the election. Their term ends exactly four years later at noon.
To be governor, a person must:
- Be at least 30 years old.
- Have lived in Hawaii for five years in a row right before the election.
- Not have any other jobs or get paid for other work while serving as governor.
Governor's Powers and Responsibilities
The governor and the lieutenant governor are the only two statewide leaders in Hawaii that people vote for. They run for office together on the same "ticket." Other important statewide officials, like the attorney general, are chosen by either the governor or the state legislature.
The governor of Hawaii has a lot of power, even more than governors in many other states. Most of the state's administrative power is held by the governor. Not much power is given to the different counties. Also, unlike other states, Hawaii does not have local school districts. The governor also gets to choose all the judges for Hawaii's courts. However, the State Senate must agree with these choices.
Hawaii does not have a fixed set of cabinet positions or departments. The governor of Hawaii can create their own cabinet and departments as needed. The executive department can have no more than twenty groups and cabinet members. The governor can also remove cabinet members whenever they want. The only exception is the attorney general of Hawaii, who can only be removed by a vote from the Hawaii State Senate.
The Governor's Home: Washington Place
The official home of the governor of Hawaii is Washington Place. This beautiful mansion used to be a royal palace for Queen Liliʻuokalani and her husband, Prince Consort John Owen Dominis. It is located right across the street from the Hawaii State Capitol, where the governor's office is. There are even underground tunnels connecting Washington Place to the Capitol. Because of its royal past, governors have hosted royal families from all over the world at Washington Place. This includes Queen Elizabeth II and Emperors Hirohito and Akihito.
In 2001, a new house for the governor was built on the grounds of Washington Place. This happened after the state decided to turn Washington Place into a museum. Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano and his family supported this idea. The new mansion, called Hale Kia Aina, was finished in 2002. Governor Cayetano was the first governor to live in it, though only for a few days before leaving office. His successor, Governor Linda Lingle, was the first governor to start her term living in the new mansion. Even with the new house, Washington Place is still the official residence of the governor. It is still used for important state dinners and other official events.
Who Takes Over?
If the governor cannot do their job, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This is called the line of succession.
See also
- List of governors of Hawaii
- Royal Governor of Hawaii
- Royal Governor of Maui
- Royal Governor of Oahu
- Royal Governor of Kauai
