Sen Kidani retires—could Republican win SD18 Special Election?

by Andrew Walden

Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani has announced her retirement effective Tuesday, June 30.

Kidani has been reelected to Senate District 18 — Mililani Town, Waipio Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, a portion of Waipahu, Village Park and Royal Kunia-- since 2008.

Her resignation is carefully timed to maximize Democrat advantage.

Kidani’s seat wasn’t up this cycle.  Under HRS17-3, the timing of Kidani’s resignation results in a ‘Special Election’ for SD18 which will be set for General Election Day.  In place of an open Primary, Democrat and Republican Party Committees, and minor parties, will each select a Party candidate for the SD18 Special Election.  

Under HRS17-3, Kidani has given Green the opportunity to appoint a temporary replacement who, if also selected as the Democrat Special Election candidate, will then be able to run in the Special Election as a pseudo-incumbent against the Republican. 

It may not be enough for Democrats.  Republicans have a history of winning in Mililani.  If they pick a good candidate, early, they could win this seat.  The sooner they name their candidate, the better.

Under HRS17-3, the deadline for Party committees to name candidates is September 24, 2026.

Here is the relevant text of HRS17-3 with dates inserted:

“If it (the vacancy) occurs after the sixtieth day prior to the next succeeding primary (June 9, 2026 was 60 days before August 8, 2026 Primary) but not later than on the fiftieth day prior to the next succeeding general election (Monday, September 14, 2026 is 50 days before the November 3, 2026 General Election) …  the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term at the next succeeding general election.  The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation designating the election for filling the vacancy.  Party candidates for the unexpired senate term shall be nominated by the county committees of the parties not later than 4:30 p.m. on the fortieth day prior to the general election (Thursday, September 24, 2026 is 40 days before the November 3, 2026 General Election); nonpartisan candidates may file nomination papers for the unexpired term not later than 4:30 p.m. on the fortieth day prior to the general election with the nonpartisan candidate who is to be nominated to be decided by lot, under the supervision of the chief election officer.  The candidates for the unexpired term shall be elected in accordance with this title.  Pending the election, the governor shall make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy, and the person appointed shall serve until the election of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy.  The governor shall make the appointment from a list of three prospective appointees submitted by the same political party as the prior incumbent.  The appointee shall be, at the time of the appointment, and shall have been, for at least six months immediately prior to the appointment, a member of the political party.  The appointee shall, at the time of appointment, be a resident of the same senate district as the prior incumbent…”

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COVERAGE:

SA: State Sen. Michelle Kidani to retire from Hawaii Legislature | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

KITV: Hawaii Senate VP Michelle Kidani announces retirement after 18 years in office | Politics | kitv.com

KHON: Hawaii's Senator Kidani to retire, citing health issues

BIVN: Hawaiʻi State Senator Michelle Kidani To Retire – Big Island Video News

HNN: Hawaii Senate vice president announces retirement | Hawaii News Now

CB: Questions were raised in February during the legislative session about Kidani’s mental fitness.