Bill
GM 589
Governor withdrew Jo-Ann Adams' nomination to Hawaii's Civil Rights Commission; no current nomination pending—any future appointment needs a new proclamation and Senate confirmation.
GM 589 — Summary
Overview
- Purpose: Proclaim the nomination and submission for Senate confirmation of Jo-Ann Adams to the Civil Rights Commission for a term ending June 30, 2028.
- Classification: Proclamation (gubernatorial nomination).
- Subject: Civil Rights Commission.
Nominee and term
- Nominee: Jo-Ann Adams
- Intended appointment: Civil Rights Commission
- Term expiration if confirmed: June 30, 2028
- Basis: Governor’s nomination under Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution (requires Senate confirmation).
Governor’s letter and formal submission
- Governor: Josh Green, M.D.
- Date of Governor’s proclamation/letter: January 15, 2025
- Content: Formal nomination for Senate consideration and confirmation to the Civil Rights Commission, with the stated expiration date of the term.
Legislative actions and current status
- Introduced and received by Legislature: January 23, 2025
- Referral: Referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC) on January 23, 2025
- Status update: Nominee Jo-Ann Adams withdrawn by Governor (Gov. Msg. No. 722) on March 11, 2025
- Implication of status: There is no current nomination pending before the Senate; the vacancy or pending appointment to the Civil Rights Commission would need a new nomination if the Governor chooses to proceed again.
Who/what is affected
- Affects: Jo-Ann Adams (as a gubernatorial nominee), the Civil Rights Commission (membership and governance), and the Senate (confirmation Process).
- Broader impact: Any changes to the Civil Rights Commission’s composition could influence its leadership, governance, and enforcement of civil rights in Hawaii.
Key procedural and timeline points
- Constitution-based process: Appointment to the Civil Rights Commission requires gubernatorial nomination and Senate confirmation.
- Timeline of note:
- January 15, 2025: Governor’s nomination letter issued.
- January 23, 2025: Bill received and referred to JDC.
- March 11, 2025: Nomination withdrawn by Governor (Gov. Msg. No. 722).
- Future considerations: If the Governor chooses to nominate a new candidate, a new proclamation and legislative process would follow, including Senate confirmation.
Notes
- The bill, in its current status, reflects a withdrawn nomination; there is no active appointment to the Civil Rights Commission arising from GM 589 at this time.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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