ARTICLE I: Name

The name of the organization is the “Libertarian Party of Hawaii,” hereinafter referred to as the “Party.”

ARTICLE II: Principles and Objectives

Section 1. Statement of Principles

The Party is committed to reducing government interventions that violate our core rights and principles. The Party affirms: 

1. The protection of individual rights is the sole moral basis of politics.

2. Individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and the ownership and voluntary exchange of justly acquired property and services. 

3. No person or institution, public or private, may initiate physical force or commit fraud against another. Force may only be used in the exercise of justice through due process, in self-defense, or to protect life and property. 

4. Individuals are free to choose their viewpoints, beliefs, and lifestyles, provided they do not violate the equal rights of others. 

Section 2. The Objective and Means of Political Action

The Party shall engage in politics, advocacy, and activism to promote and advance the following ideals and principles:

1. The Party shall seek to increase human respect and happiness amongst individuals and local communities through voluntary cooperation.

2. The Party shall seek to maximize freedom by limiting government intervention in social and economic affairs to protect the natural rights of individuals, especially life, liberty, and property.

3. The Party shall maintain fiscal soundness with a balanced budget and should avoid incurring debt.

ARTICLE III: Membership

Section 1. Responsibilities

Membership is open to individuals who: 

1. Subscribe to the Party’s Principles and Objectives and conduct themselves accordingly. 

2. Affirm the non-aggression principle (NAP): “I hereby certify that I oppose and will not initiate physical force or commit fraud against another to accomplish social or political goals.”

3. Maintain a physical presence or interest, or are registered to vote (if eligible), in Hawaii. Subsection c does not apply to Lifetime Members. 

4. Are in good standing, defined as having paid required dues (if applicable), and not being subject to disciplinary action or suspension under Article VII.

Section 2. Dues and Levels of Membership

Party Dues are annual donation thresholds which determine membership level. All Members must adhere to Article III Section 1 requirements. Membership Levels and Dues: 

1. Sustaining Members pay the standard dues amount: the standard dues amount may be changed by a special or regular convention, by two-thirds vote, with sixty days' prior notice.

2. Lifetime Members must meet basic member requirements, except residency, and pay a $3,500 one-time fee. Rights include all other applicable membership privileges without recurring dues. Lifetime members who no longer reside in Hawaii do not retain the right to run for Party Office. 

3. To upgrade between membership tiers, a member must pay the difference in dues via a method approved by the Treasurer and submit updated contact information, and (if required), proof of residency to confirm eligibility. 

4. The Treasurer, Secretary, or a qualified designee will verify submissions to ensure compliance with Party bylaws and rules, and with applicable laws.

Section 3. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Infiltration Policy

1. The Party shall not discriminate based on characteristics protected by applicable law or immutable personal characteristics, and shall not be required to recognize ideological, political, or associational beliefs as protected classes.

2. The Party may take defensive measures consistent with the NAP against organized entities or coordinated efforts that demonstrably advocate or engage in the initiation of force, fraud, or coercion, or that seek to undermine the Party’s autonomy through deceptive or hostile means.

3. Members seeking nomination, party office, or any kind of candidacy, contract, or employment must disclose in writing any conflicting relationships or employment with entities opposing Party goals (per Article II) to the Executive Committee, which may choose to interview the member.

4. Upon a finding, by a majority of the Executive Committee, that a member has a substantial and material conflict of interest or has knowingly concealed required disclosures, the State Committee may take corrective action pursuant to Article VII. 

5. Officers and executive members shall disclose conflicts of interest within thirty days of the start of term (or at the first meeting, whichever is earlier) and annually thereafter, or at any time when such conflicts may arise.

6. No adverse action under this Section shall be taken without notice, an opportunity to respond, and a recorded vote.

Section 4. Renewal and Termination

1. Sustaining memberships renew annually with payment of dues and updated contact information, with a 30-day grace period.

2. Membership terminates if a member fails to renew within one year and 30 days, resigns voluntarily, or per Article VII.

3. Termination does not relieve members of prior financial obligations, nor is the Party obligated to reimburse claims for time, compensation, or monetary contributions. 

ARTICLE IV: Officers and Duties

Section 1. Core Officers and Joint Duties

1. Officers — the Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary, and Treasurer — are elected at the State Convention for a two-year term, until successors are elected.

2. Officers must be Sustaining or Lifetime Members pursuant to Article III.

3. Officers may not hold multiple executive positions within the State Party or its affiliates, except as specified in Article IV, section 6. 

4. Officers act as fiduciaries, avoiding conflicts of interest, ensuring legal and fiscal compliance, and acting in the Party’s best interests, and are diligent in their duties. Nothing in this article shall be construed against the responsible delegation of officer duties.

5. Officers shall refrain from behavior that could harm the Party’s reputation.

6. Officers at all times shall maintain good faith. 

7. Officers shall ensure that deadlines required by these bylaws or state law are met.

Section 2. Chair Duties

The Chair shall: 

1. Regularly preside at the Executive Committee, State Committee, and Convention meetings.

2. Serve as Executive Director or appoint one (subject to Executive Committee approval) to oversee daily administration and programs. 

3. Assign tasks and serve ex officio on committees.

4. Take on and delegate whichever other such duties as may be required by the Party to accomplish its objectives. 

5. Act as the primary spokesperson for the Party.

Section 3. Vice-chair Duties

The Vice-Chairperson shall:

1. Assist the Chairperson in the performance of executive duties, 

2. Act as Chairperson in the temporary absence of the Chairperson.

Section 4. Secretary Duties

The Secretary shall: 

1. Maintain accurate records and minutes or appoint a custodian (subject to Executive Committee approval). 

2. Manage official correspondence

3. Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of membership lists. 

Section 5. Treasurer Duties

The Treasurer shall: 

1. Manage and oversee Party finances, depositing and disbursing funds as directed. 

2. Provide information, financial reports, and audits as set by the Executive Committee. 

3. Guide county affiliates on regulatory compliance.

Section 6. Vacancy, Emergency, and the Rule of Necessity  

1. Non-disciplinary Removal Policy:

2. Resignation: when resignations are tendered “effective immediately”, they shall be deemed as accepted by the chair, except for good cause; any other resignation acceptance procedure shall conform to the parliamentary authority.

3. Automatic Vacancy:  If any State Committee member is absent for two consecutive regular committee meetings, that member’s position shall be deemed vacant with prior notice. The vacated member may seek reinstatement at the following regularly held meeting, provided another member in good standing is willing to sponsor the motion. This motion may be brought in the meeting immediately following automatic vacancy without prior notice. This provision shall not be construed to affect the Chair’s ex-officio membership status concerning subcommittees, nor to disparage the state committee’s prerogative to excuse absences. 

       b. Solely in the case of necessity, an officer may temporarily hold multiple roles within the Executive Committee, as approved by a majority vote of the remaining Executive Committee members, for a maximum of 60 days. 

       c. The Executive Committee shall make every attempt to fill vacancies within 60 days.

ARTICLE V: State and Executive Committee

Section 1. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the four elected officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)

Section 2. State Committee

The State Committee shall consist of:

1. The Executive Committee 

2. The County chair from each recognized county affiliate or representative member elected by majority vote of the affiliate’s governing board. 

3. One at-large Executive Member, if needed to maintain an odd number. 

No committee member shall run for public office unless they resign or unless the committee approves their candidacy by majority vote. Conflicts of interest shall be addressed per Article III, Section 4.

Section 3. Size and Term

1. The State Committee should maintain an odd number of members. If the total of officers and County chairs is even, an at-large member may be elected at the State Convention.

2. If a county affiliate is not in good standing or inactive, an at-large member may be elected to fill the County chair’s position, and to organize that county.

3. The Executive Committee and any at-large members of the State Committee shall be elected at each Regular Convention and shall hold office until adjournment sine die of the next Regular Convention or until their successors are elected.

Section 4. Meetings and Quorum

1. The State and Executive Committees shall meet as respectively determined, at the chair’s call, or upon written request of three or more members, with at least three days’ prior notice. Meetings called without ordinary notice must show good cause, and may be called for reconsideration at the next regular or special meeting. 

2. A quorum is more than half the Committee.

3. Ordinary decisions require a majority vote, with each member having one vote.

4. Electronic meetings are permitted with full participation.

5. Proxy voting is prohibited except for good cause by ¾ vote of the State Committee, and can be revoked by majority vote.

6. Meetings shall be open to members in good standing as observers.

Section 5. Responsibilities

With participation and oversight from the State Committee, the Executive Committee shall: 

1. Direct the day-to-day operations of the Party

2. Lead Party affairs and see to the needs of the organization

3. Enforce bylaws

4. Maintain appropriate, regular documentation and evidence of work

5. Facilitate amicable transitions to incoming executives

ARTICLE VI: Meetings, Conventions, and Candidates

Section 1. Conventions

1. Regular State Conventions occur every odd-numbered year, holding the highest authority over Party operations. Elections of Executive Officers and at-large members of the State Committee members shall occur at each regular Convention.

2. The State Committee facilitates conventions, with 60 days’ notice provided to members, and 30 days’ public notice.

3. A State Convention may be conducted in person, by electronic means, or in a hybrid format, as determined by the State Committee and specified in the convention notice. Any electronic or hybrid convention shall employ technology that reasonably permits all credentialed members or delegates to simultaneously hear proceedings, participate in debate as authorized by the parliamentary authority, and cast votes securely.

Section 2. Special Conventions

1. Special Conventions may be called by the chair, subject to the  State Committee, or per the parliamentary authority, with the same powers and notice requirements as regular Conventions, except as specified by this section.

2. Special Conventions do not end an officer’s term nor elect non-vacant positions unless specified in Article IV.

3. Special Conventions may also be referred to as General Membership Meetings

Section 3. Special Primary Conventions

A Special Primary Convention selects candidates for public office if multiple candidates contest a position and none concede. The State Committee may call a Primary Convention with 30 days’ notice, at least fourteen (14) days before state withdrawal deadlines.

Section 4. Candidate Vetting and Approval

Eligible candidates must:

1. Be members in good standing (per Article III, Section 1.d), 

2. Obtain Executive Committee approval, subject to State Committee oversight or by Special Convention, 

3. Support Party objectives and principles, and

4. Be free of impairments hindering the credible representation of Party values.

The State Committee may, at its discretion, require a candidate performance contract to align with Party initiatives and share data, set before candidacy approval. The State Committee or subcommittee thereof shall interview candidates for principle alignment and fitness, with results approved by the State Committee. Candidates disagreeing with platform planks may be restricted from publicly raising those issues if it could cause harm to the Party, provided that candidates may express dissenting opinions if they clearly disclose they are expressing a personal opinion and not that of the Party. Approval and endorsement under this Article govern the Party's own support, resources, and communications. The Party reserves the right to object to the nomination paper of a person under these bylaws.

ARTICLE VII: Vacancy, Suspension, and Disciplinary Action

Section 1. Vacancy and Succession

If the chair’s office is vacant, the Vice-chair assumes the role until the next regular State Convention.

For other vacancies, the Executive Committee appoints a Sustaining or Lifetime Member in good standing (per Article III, Section 1.d) until the next Regular Convention. Any vacancy must be timely announced and should be promptly filled.

Section 2. Disciplinary Actions 

All Party disciplinary proceedings shall conform to the parliamentary authority and these bylaws. This section shall not be construed to limit the use of points of order or other rights and processes defined in the parliamentary authority.

1. Pre-Filing Requirements: Accusing members shall, in all cases where reasonably practicable, attempt any good-faith resolution (per Section 5.b) via an agreed arbiter. If unresolved, submit written notice to the accused and State Committee at least fourteen (14) days before a disciplinary motion is heard (five (5) days for emergency suspensions, per the Emergency Suspensions subsection below). Any disciplinary motion must be served to the accused with the notice in no less than ten (10) days before decision-making. The notice shall describe the conduct and specific bylaw or law violation, explain why discipline is warranted, provide factual support, specify the proposed action, and be certified under penalty of bylaws violation. A documented written offer of good-faith resolution satisfies this requirement if the accused declines or fails to respond within fourteen (14) days.

2. Emergency Suspensions: Emergency suspensions require a two-thirds vote of the entire State Committee and are effective immediately; a special hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days. A member may seek suspension if immediate action is needed to prevent irreparable harm, evidence not subject to reasonable dispute supports the truthfulness of the claim, and the claim aligns with bylaws. If no hearing has occurred within thirty (30) days to sustain or reverse the suspension, the suspension shall expire and the member shall be restored.

3. Hearings and Outcomes: Special hearings occur within thirty-five (35) days of notice (thirty (30) days after emergency suspensions). The accuser presents their case. The accused shall be allowed to present evidence, witnesses, speak, and have counsel, if they so choose. The State Committee shall hold a vote to determine the outcome of the hearing. In suspensions: to vacate, to extend until the next Convention, or to postpone for good cause. For imposing penalties without suspension: to adopt, to acquit, or to postpone for good cause.

4. Grounds and Standard: Disciplinary actions must follow the Good Faith Rule (Section 5.b), be reasonable and respectful, and require good cause. By a two-thirds vote, the State Committee may impose censure, suspension, or removal for: dereliction of duty, such as neglecting core duties causing harm to Party operations or reputation; disruptive conduct, such as obstructing Party activities, excluding good-faith dissent; public actions against Party principles; bylaw violations causing clear harm; fiduciary or ethical breaches (per Article IV, Section 1); threats to Party continuity; and bad-faith accusations.

All non-exonerating disciplinary actions must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the entire State Committee. Upon removal of an officer by the State Committee, the resulting vacancy shall be filled in accordance with Articles IV, V, and VII. The removed officer retains their membership unless separately expelled, but may not hold Party office for the remainder of the current term.

Section 3. Appeals

1. Members may appeal disciplinary decisions to the State Committee within sixty (60) days of their hearing via written notice. 

2. Members may appeal disciplinary decisions to the State Convention via written notice to the State Committee no later than fourteen (14) days prior to convention. Appeals are added to the next agenda. 

3. A majority vote of members present may reverse the decision.

Section 4. Alternative Process  

The Executive Committee may alternatively use the parliamentary authority’s provided removal processes instead, provided:  

1. It allows for the exercise of Section 2.  

2. A neutral party or parliamentarian oversees the procedure, approved by both parties or a majority vote of the State Committee.

Section 5. Conduct Standards in Disciplinary Actions

1. Members must act honestly, respectfully, and fact-based in disciplinary processes, aiming to protect Party values. 

2. Members must act in good faith. Bad faith includes malicious complaints, misrepresenting facts, or bypassing bylaws for personal gain.

3. Due process must be respected.

ARTICLE VIII: County Affiliates

Section 1. Requirements and Structure

a. Eligibility: County Affiliates are recognized if: 

1. No existing affiliate is already in good standing in that county, 

2. The affiliate is proposed by at least five (5) Sustaining or Lifetime Members filling at least three mandatory officer roles (Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer), 

3. They comply with the bylaws and Hawaii legal requirements, and 

4. The affiliate agrees to follow State Treasurer and State Committee guidance.

b. Proposal Requirements: 

1. A list of pro tem officers, 

2. Proposed bylaws, and 

3. Meeting minutes with roll call, officer signatures, and a vote to adopt state bylaws.

c. Affiliates maintain required officer roles, may add district/precinct delegates, and operate autonomously within the bylaws and state oversight.

d. Good Standing: Affiliates are in good standing if they: 

1. Maintain five (5) Sustaining Members and required officers, 

2. Submit required reports (per Section 2.b), 

3. Comply with bylaws and platform, state guidance, and Hawaii campaign finance laws,

4. Participate in Party activities as feasible, with flexibility for affiliates with fewer than ten (10) members, and 

5. Hold an annual meeting with officers elected to a two-year term.

A denial of an affiliate request must be accompanied by written reasons from these bylaws and may be appealed to the next State Convention, where a majority vote of delegates may override the denial.

Section 2. Financials and Reporting

1. County Expenditures and Appropriations: 

1. Each recognized affiliate may have a spending account for local expenses, and may choose to collect county membership dues, provided they are not more than the annual state dues for sustaining members. The County affiliate shall allow the Executive Committee oversight and access to all county accounts. 

2. Requests for funding shall be requested via written motions with meeting minutes, signed by the chair and Treasurer, within budget limits and compliant with the Treasurer’s campaign finance guidance. 

3. Receipts for expenditures must be submitted to the State Treasurer within 10 days.

      b. Reporting: 

1. Monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on financial activities are submitted to the Executive Committee. 

2. Affiliates must adhere to the State Treasurer’s campaign spending and compliance guidance.

      c. Disaffiliation:

1. A county affiliate may be disaffiliated for failure to maintain good standing under Section 1.d or to meet the requirements of Section 2 of this Article.

2. Before any disaffiliation vote, the affiliate shall receive written notice specifying each deficiency and no fewer than thirty (30) days to cure. If a deficiency remains uncured, the State Committee may disaffiliate the affiliate by two-thirds vote of the entire State Committee, after a hearing at which the affiliate may present evidence and be heard. 

3. Disaffiliation for any other cause requires a two-thirds vote at a State Convention.

4. A disaffiliated affiliate may appeal to the next State Convention by written notice to the Secretary no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the convention, where a majority vote of members present may reverse the disaffiliation.

ARTICLE IX: Amendments

Section 1. Bylaw and Platform Changes

Bylaw and platform changes require: 

1. Approval at a State Convention by two-thirds vote of members present with prior approval from the bylaws committee, as appointed by the Executive Committee, and 60 days prior notice to members; if no prior notice has been perfected, or if it lacks committee approval, a seven-eighths majority is required for any proposed amendments.

2. Unanimous State Committee approval with 60 days prior notice. Subsection b shall expire automatically upon adjournment of the next regular State Convention following adoption of these bylaws. Any changes made under this provision prior to its expiration must be presented to that Convention for ratification by a two-thirds vote of delegates. If not ratified, the changes are repealed and the prior language is restored. Subsection b may not be used to amend this Article or Article VII. Any change adopted under subsection b shall be communicated to all members within seven (7) days of adoption and filed as required by law.

Section 2. Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” at the time of interpretation shall govern the Party in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or any special rules of order adopted by the Party. In the event of conflict, these bylaws shall take precedence.

ARTICLE X: TRANSITION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Effective Date 

These bylaws take effect upon close of the meeting at which they are adopted, and supersede all prior bylaws. Actions validly taken under prior bylaws remain valid.

Section 2. Transition

Officers and at-large Executive Committee members serving at the time of adoption continue in office until the next Regular Convention. Until that convention, at-large members elected under the prior bylaws serve as at-large members of the State Committee, and the Executive Committee consists of the four officers. Until the first county affiliate is recognized, the State Committee consists of the Executive Committee and the at-large members described in this section.

Section 3. Severability

If any provision of these bylaws is held invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force. 

Section 4. Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the Party, remaining assets shall be applied first to lawful obligations and then distributed consistent with applicable campaign