Hawaii Commission Has Opened Applications for Vacancies
The state commission is seeking new members to fill vacant seats across Kaua'i, Maui, and O'ahu.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Hawai'i State Commission on the Status of Women has announced the end of terms for its Kaua'i and Maui commissioners. The organization has now opened the application process to fill those seats, along with a vacancy on O'ahu.
Why it matters
The commission plays a key role in strengthening laws, policies, and practices that impact women and girls throughout the state. Maintaining full membership ensures the commission can provide adequate statewide representation.
The commission consists of 13 total members, with seven voting members directly appointed by the governor. The application process typically requires approximately 30 minutes to complete.
The players
Hawai'i State Commission on the Status of Women
This state-level organization is tasked with improving laws and policies for women and girls throughout the islands.
John A. Burns
He served as the Governor of Hawaii and established the commission via Executive Order in 1964.
The details
Applicants must be United States citizens and residents of Hawaii to be eligible for appointment. All interested candidates should submit their information through the Governor's official boards and commissions website.
Timeline
Governor John A. Burns created the commission in 1964.
The legislature established the commission framework in 1970.
The deadline for residents to submit applications is the end of 2026.
Culture Shift
The state's reliance on standardized public application processes reflects a broader trend of formalizing civic governance to ensure diverse statewide representation. This move aligns with Chapter 367 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which provides the legal framework for the body's continued operations.
Residents interested in public service can apply through the state portal to directly influence policy development in their communities. The application process is designed to be accessible, taking roughly 30 minutes for qualified citizens to complete.
The takeaway
Civic participation remains essential to the ongoing development of state policies regarding women and girls. Residents who meet the residency and citizenship criteria are encouraged to review the open seats and participate in the selection process.
What happens next
The deadline for residents to submit their commissioner applications is set for the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local advocacy and governance at the Women’s Issues page.
More information
To apply for a seat, visit the Governor's boards and commissions application page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Garden Island.
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