Governor of Hawaii facts for kids
The Governor of Hawaii (called Ke Kiaʻaina o Hawaiʻi in Hawaiian) is like the main leader of the U.S. state of Hawaii. They are in charge of the state government and all its different parts. 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 |
| 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 Hawaii's courts. The governor is also the commander-in-chief of Hawaii's armed forces. This means they can use these forces to make sure laws are kept, stop big problems, 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 the acting governor. Historically, Hawaii's governors have usually 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 term on December 5, 2022. Hawaii was the first U.S. state to have an Asian American as its chief leader. This was George Ariyoshi, who served three terms from 1974 to 1986.
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Becoming Governor: What It Takes
To be the Governor of Hawaii, there are a few rules about who can run. These rules help make sure the person is ready for the job.
Term Limits and Age
A governor can serve for two terms, and each term lasts four years. They can be elected again after waiting one election cycle. This means they can't serve more than two terms in a row. The new governor starts their job on the first Monday in December after the election. Their term ends at noon four years later.
To become governor, a person must:
- Be at least 30 years old.
- Have lived in Hawaii for five years in a row before the election.
- Not have any other jobs or get paid for other work while they are governor.
Governor's Powers: What They Can Do
The governor and lieutenant governor are the only two leaders in Hawaii who are elected by people across the whole state. They run for office together. Other important state leaders, like the attorney general, are chosen by the governor or the state legislature.
Strong Authority in Hawaii
The Governor of Hawaii has more power compared to governors in many other U.S. states. Most of the state's administrative power is held by the governor. There isn't much power 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, these choices must be approved by the State Senate.
Creating State Departments
Hawaii's state government doesn't have a fixed number of departments or cabinet positions. The governor has the power to create their own cabinet and departments as needed. They can have up to twenty different departments 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.
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. It was once home to Queen Liliʻuokalani and her husband, Prince Consort John Owen Dominis.
Location and History
Washington Place is located right across the street from the Hawaii State Capitol, where the governor's office is. There are even underground passages connecting the mansion to the Capitol building. Because of its royal history, governors have welcomed important guests from around the world at Washington Place. This includes Queen Elizabeth II and Emperors Hirohito and Akihito.
New Mansion for the Governor
In 2001, a new house for the governor was built on the grounds of Washington Place. This happened because the state decided to turn Washington Place into a museum. Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano supported this idea. The new house, called Hale Kia Aina, was finished in 2002. Governor Cayetano lived in it 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. It is still used for important state dinners and other official events.
See also
- List of governors of Hawaii
- Royal Governor of Hawaii
- Royal Governor of Maui
- Royal Governor of Oahu
- Royal Governor of Kauai
