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Bylaws of the Oʻahu County Democrats
of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi

As last amended at Oʻahu County Committee August 6, 2022
[PDF File]

Preamble and Mission Statement
Section 1. Organization of O‘ahu County Committee
Section 2. Executive Committee
Section 3. Deputy Chairpersons
Section 4. District Council
Section 5. Eligibility & Elections
Section 6. Quorum
Section 7. Proxies
Section 8. Meetings, Notices, Attendance at Meetings
Section 9. Standing and Special Committees
Section 10. Duties and Responsibilities of the O‘ahu County Committee (OCC).
Section 11. Alternative Dispute Process
Section 12. County Convention: Time and Notices
Section 13. County Convention Rules
Section 14. Adoption and Amendment of O‘ahu County Bylaws
Section 15. Parliamentary Procedure Guidance



Preamble and Mission Statement.

We the members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi in O‘ahu County, united in common purpose, dedicate ourselves to the core principles of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi as laid out in the platforms of the Oʻahu County Democrats and the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi..

As the people's Party, it is our mission to create opportunities for free and open political dialogue in regional and district communities to promote civic engagement, political action, and community solidarity.

As a servant of the dreams and aspirations of Hawaiʻi's people, we acknowledge that if we wish to lead, we must listen and be open to being transformed by what we hear. As we ask for the people's trust, we must in turn trust the wisdom of the people.

To do this effectively, we understand that we need to activate, mobilize and empower Party members, and revitalize our County organization for the challenges of the 21st century. Through a re-energized County organization, we will endeavor to bring together members of the Party, elected officials, interested citizens, and community leaders to build a cosmopolitan society that will manifest the Aloha Spirit at its core and in every facet of community life.


Section 1. Organization of O‘ahu County Committee.
There shall be an Oʻahu County Committee ("OCC") in the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaiʻi, which shall consist of an Executive Committee and the District Council Chairpersons.


Section 2. Executive Committee.
(2.1) Composition: The members of the Executive Committee shall be a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, Regional Chairpersons, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, and the O‘ahu County State Central Committee Representatives.

(2.2) Duties. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be those usually pertaining to the office concerned, any duties specifically imposed by these bylaws, and attendance at executive committee and Oʻahu County Committee meetings. Three unexcused absences of any member of the Executive Committee shall be deemed a resignation.

(2.3) Chairperson. The Chairperson of the OCC shall have the power to appoint a parliamentarian and the chairperson and members of all standing and special committees unless otherwise specified, with the advice and consent of the OCC. The Chairperson shall be responsible for calling all regular and special meetings of the OCC, excusing OCC members from meetings, and the giving of proper notice and arranging for meeting places for both regular and special meetings. The Chairperson shall also be responsible for attending meetings of the State Central Committee, or of its select committees, and reporting the proceedings of such meetings to the next regular meeting of the OCC.

(2.4) Vice Chairperson. The Vice Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in his or her absence or incapacity and /or by delegation.

(2.5) Regional Chairpersons.

(2.5.1) There shall be not less than eight (8) nor more than thirteen (13) Regional Chairpersons, who shall be responsible for the development, coordination, and organization of the activities of the Districts and Precincts within their region. The County Committee shall determine the boundaries of the regions to which each Regional Chairperson shall be assigned.

(2.5.2) The Regional Chairperson shall:

  1. Regularly visit each District Council during the year to assist, encourage and communicate District, Regional, County, and State major activities and events;

  2. Work with the Districts to strengthen and involve membership in the development of a strong and viable State Democratic Party from the District Councils up to the State Central Committee - for example, may conduct membership drives, voter registration drives, get out the vote events, community outreach via door knocking, and attend events and neighborhood board meetings;

  3. Help in the development and growth of the District through effective membership recruitment by utilizing and involving County and State resources - for example, database, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and liaison with elected officials;

  4. Be responsible for maintaining communication between the County Committee and District Councils through correspondence, informational memoranda, newsletter and attendance at District Council meetings.

  5. Have the duty to represent their regions by attending or being represented at OCC meetings. If a Regional Chairperson does not fulfill this duty, unexcused, for three (3) OCC meetings per term of office, the Regional Chairperson shall automatically give up their position as Regional Chair. Any Regional Chairperson may request a hearing, in writing, to challenge the automatic removal from their position within fifteen (15) calendar days of the notice of removal. The County Chairperson shall appoint a special committee, within ten (10) calendar days after receiving the request, to conduct a hearing of the circumstances of the removal and submit its recommendation to the County Committee not later than thirty (30) calendar days after being appointed. A copy of the special committee's recommendation shall be given to the Regional Chairperson who requested the hearing. The County Chairperson shall place the matter of consideration of the special committee's recommendation on the County Committee's next meeting agenda.

(2.6) Secretary. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the OCC, its Executive Committee, and Oʻahu County Convention. These minutes shall be properly typewritten or printed and entered along with all written reports of standing and special committees on a designated section of the OCC webpage. The minutes shall be available on the website for a period not to exceed ten (10) years, after which they will be removed.

(2.7) Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in carrying out the various duties assigned to the Secretary and shall perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary as well as be the main point of contact with the District Chairperson to ensure that OCC members' contact information is updated on a regular basis.

(2.8) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all the fund raising activities within O‘ahu County, shall have custody of the OCC treasury, which shall be deposited at a commercial bank in the name of the OCC, and shall submit a report in writing at each regular meeting of the OCC. The Treasurer shall be responsible for seeing that all money is collected by duly authorized and identified persons, that receipts are given to all contributors and that a strict accounting is kept of all funds so collected. The Treasurer shall be bonded in a reasonable amount determined by the OCC and the premium shall be paid from OCC funds. The Treasurer shall submit a biennial financial report of the OCC and Districts within O‘ahu County to the State Central Committee not later than one week prior to the Oʻahu County Convention in every even numbered year.

(2.9) Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in carrying out the various duties assigned to the Treasurer and shall perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence of the Treasurer.

(2.10) Oʻahu County State Central Committee Representatives. The Oʻahu County State Central Committee Representatives, of two different genders, to be elected by the Oʻahu County Convention in even-numbered years, shall have the responsibility to ensure that the OCC makes the necessary organizational arrangements to support and implement adopted rules, procedures and practices of the State Convention and the State Central Committee. The Oʻahu County State Central Committee Representatives shall be voting members of the Executive Committee and the OCC.

(2.11) Election of Executive Committee. With the exception of the Chair and Vice Chair and Regional Chairpersons, each member of the Executive Committee shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast at the Oʻahu County Convention in odd-numbered years. The Chair and Vice Chair will run on a combined slate and shall be elected at the same convention by a majority vote cast for the combined slate. The Regional Chairpersons shall be elected at the same convention by a majority of votes cast in their respective regions.

(2.12) Term of Office. Immediately following the adjournment of the Oʻahu County Convention in odd-numbered years, the OCC Executive Committee shall organize and take office immediately and shall hold office until the adjournment of the next Oʻahu County Convention held in an odd-numbered year.

(2.13) Vacancies
(2.13.1) In the event of a vacancy in the office of County Chairperson, the Vice Chair becomes the acting chair and a new Chair shall be elected by the general membership of the Oʻahu County Committee within 30 days after the commencement of the vacancy. The vacancy shall be deemed to have commenced on the date that the Vice Chair receives written notice of resignation by the Chair, or upon the death of the Chair, or upon a determination by the Executive Committee that the Chair is incapacitated. At the election to fill the vacancy, the Vice Chair may choose to be a candidate for Chair. If the Vice Chair is not elected Chair, the Vice Chair resumes service as Vice Chair. If the Vice Chair is elected Chair, then the general membership shall immediately thereafter elect a new Vice Chair at the same meeting.

The OCC Secretary shall notify all members of the OCC within ten (10) calendar days of notification of the occurrence of the vacancy. Any member of the OCC who wishes to nominate a person to fill the vacancy may select a nominee from any member of the Democratic Party who fulfills the eligibility requirements in Section 5, and may nominate such person to fill the vacancy by forwarding a statement to that effect, signed by the nominee to the Secretary within the deadline established by the Secretary in the notice of vacancy or within ten (10) calendar days after notification, whichever is greater.

The Secretary shall then prepare a notice of election meeting, designating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, which shall include the names of all nominees for the office of County Vice Chairperson and/or Chairperson. Such notice shall be mailed or emailed ten (10) calendar days prior to the meeting to all members of the OCC.

All members present at the election meeting may vote from among the nominees, and the nominee receiving the highest number of votes shall immediately assume office. Proxy voting shall be prohibited, and voting by secret ballot may only be waived by a majority vote.

Only members of the OCC shall be eligible to vote to fill the vacancy in the office of the County Vice Chairperson or Chairperson. Should the newly elected County Vice Chairperson or Chairperson be an existing OCC officer, he/she shall vacate such office held and a replacement shall be selected by the OCC.

(2.13.2) Other Members of the Executive Committee. Any other vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be filled by appointment by the County Chairperson on an interim basis until confirmed by the Oʻahu County Committee at it's next meeting.

(2.13.3) If a Regional Chairperson, District Chairperson, or District Council Officer, is elected or appointed to any officer position on the OCC Executive Committee that person shall automatically vacate the lesser office.

(2.14) The Oʻahu County Committee shall adopt and endeavor to adhere to a biennial budget. The biennium shall be defined by the OCC. Not later than six months before the commencement of a budget biennium, the Finance Committee shall draft a budget and submit it to the chair for consideration by the Oʻahu County Committee not less than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the budget biennium. The budget may be amended by a majority vote of the Oʻahu County Committee. The County Chair shall ensure that the Finance Committee is appointed not later than thirty (30) days after the end of the County Convention in odd numbered years, and the draft budget shall be submitted to the Oʻahu County Committee no later than sixty (60) days after the appointment of the Finance Committee.

(2.14.1) A copy of the approved budget shall be posted to the Oʻahu County Democratic Party website no later than 14 days after it has been approved by the Oʻahu County Committee, and shall remain available for the duration of the biennium


Section 3. Deputy Chairpersons.
To assist the County Chairperson with their duties, the County Chairperson may appoint not more than eight (8) Deputy Chairpersons with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee. The Deputy Chairpersons shall be non-voting members of the OCC. The responsibility of the Deputy Chairpersons shall be to assist the County Chairperson in the administration of the County Chairperson's responsibilities in conducting the affairs of the County Committee. The Deputy Chairpersons shall be accountable to the County Chairperson for tasks, assignments and responsibilities in conducting the affairs of the County Committee.


Section 4. District Council.
(4.1) As provided in Article III of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Constitution, the District Council in each Representative District shall consist of the “District Chairperson, District Vice-chairperson, District Secretary, District Treasurer, and eleven (11) at-large Directors, with at least every precinct having the opportunity for representation on the District Council. State Central Committee Senate Representative that resides in the Representative District shall be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the District Council.” “In addition, two (2) additional Vice-Chairpersons and one (1) additional Secretary can be elected.

(4.2) The District Chairperson, on behalf of the District Council, may conduct membership drives, voter registration drives, get out the vote events, community outreach via door knocking, attending events and neighborhood board meetings, and support membership assessment for their District.

(4.3) District Chairpersons shall have the duty to represent their districts by attending or being represented at OCC meetings. If a District Council Chairperson does not fulfill this duty, unexcused, for three (3) OCC meetings per term of office, the District Chairperson shall automatically give up their position as District Chairperson.

Any District Chairperson may request a hearing, in writing, to challenge the automatic removal from their position within fifteen (15) calendar days of the notice of removal. The County Chairperson shall appoint a special committee, within ten (10) calendar days after receiving the request, to conduct a hearing of the circumstances of the removal and submit its recommendation to the County Committee not later than thirty (30) calendar days after being appointed. A copy of the special committee's recommendation shall be given to the District Chairperson who requested the hearing. The County Chairperson shall place the matter of consideration of the special committee's recommendation on the County Committee's next meeting agenda.


 Section 5. Eligibility & Elections.
(5.1) Eligibility. Any member of the Party residing in the County may be elected an officer of the County Committee including County Chairperson, with the requirement that any member seeking the office of County Chairperson shall have been a member of the Party for at least one (1) year prior to the County Committee Officers election. Election to the positions of Chair and Vice Chair shall be combined as a slate with two different genders, so as to assure diversity in these leadership positions. They will be voted upon as one slate. Elected officials, individuals appointed to fill an elected office, or candidates for elected office are not eligible to become County Chairperson. If a member has resigned from the Party in the two years prior to re-enrollment, the re-enrolled member must be a member in good standing for at least one year prior to the County Committee Officers election prior to being elected an officer of the County Committee.

If any District Councilmember is elected as a County officer, that person shall automatically vacate the lesser office. Any person who wishes to be a candidate for OCC Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Regional Chairperson shall file nomination papers at least ten (10) days prior to the County Convention. The nomination papers shall be signed by not less than five (5) members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi residing in the Oʻahu County or Region being represented. Electronic Signatures are permissible.

(5.2)Elections. Election(s) shall be decided by a majority of votes cast by roll call at a County Committee meeting if conducted by teleconference or video conference, or by mail balloting if provided for as part of an electronic convention. Elections conducted by ballot may be decided by ranked-choice voting. All ballots must be signed ballots. If there is only one nominee for a particular position that nominee shall be elected by acclamation. Each region shall have separate ballots or electronic voting to elect Regional Chairs where more than one candidate is running for the same position. Unless ballot voting provides for ranked-choice voting, if no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot or roll call vote, then a second ballot or roll call vote between the top two vote-getters shall be conducted. Subsequent ties shall be decided by the flip of a coin.


Section 6. Quorum.
The quorum at any meeting shall be 33% of the sitting members of the respective body. This rule does not apply to District Councils. Participation via electronic means, such as teleconference or video conference, shall constitute participation for the purposes of voting and establishing a quorum so long as and for as long as all persons participating are able to hear each other at the same time. Each matter shall be decided by the majority vote of those participating.


Section 7. Proxies.
(7.1) A District Chairperson may give their proxy to another officer of their District Council in accordance with Article III -"District Council" of the Byaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi. All proxies must be in writing and shall be filed with the Secretary of the OCC and the OCC Chairperson. In the absence of the District Chairperson, the First Vice Chairperson shall have the right to vote and represent the District without further designation or proxy. The District Chairperson shall still be considered absent even though a proxy has been given unless excused by the OCC Chairperson.

(7.2) A Regional Chairperson may give their proxy to a District Council officer in their region. All proxies must be in writing and shall be filed with the Secretary of the OCC and the OCC Chairperson. The Regional Chairperson shall still be considered absent even though a proxy has been given unless excused by the OCC Chairperson. An unexcused absence can be appealed to the OCC Executive Committee, but only at the next OCC Executive Committee meeting.

(7.3) The following members of the Executive Committee may give their proxy to other Executive Committee members: OCC Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and the Oahu County State Central Committee Representatives. All proxies must be in writing and filed with the Secretary of the OCC and the OCC Chairperson. Such members shall still be considered absent even though a proxy has been given unless excused by the OCC Chairperson.


Section 8. Meetings, Notices, Attendance at Meetings.
(8.1) Immediately after the adjournment of the O‘ahu County Convention, the new O‘ahu County Committee shall meet.

(8.2) Regular Meetings. Notice of meetings shall be given in person, by fax, electronic mail, by telephone or by mailing such notice to the last known address of each member not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting.

(8.3) Special Meetings. Special meetings of the OCC may be held at any time by call of the County Chairperson or upon written request submitted to the Secretary or Chairperson by not less than thirty-three and 1/3 percent (33 1/3%) of the total seated membership. Notice of special meetings shall be given in person, by fax, electronic mail, or by telephone or by mailing such notice to the last known address of each member not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting.

(8.4) Executive Session Meetings. Normally all OCC meetings are open to all Democratic Party members. Under exceptional circumstances, the OCC may decide to go into executive session to deal with a confidential matter. The decision to go into executive session shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of OCC members in attendance.

(8.5) Members who are entitled may participate in OCC meetings or committee meetings by means of teleconference, videoconference, or by any means of a communication technology by which all persons participating in the meeting can speak to and hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute attendance at the meeting so long as and for as long as such simultaneous communication is active and enabled.

Section 9. Standing and Special Committees.
(9.1) There shall be standing committees on rules; finance; legislation; membership; affirmative action, inclusion and diversity; elections; and convention planning. At least one of the co-chairs of each committee shall be a member of the OCC and shall be appointed by the Chair with advise and consent of the OCC. Membership of the committees is open to any member of the Oʻahu County Democrats.

(9.2) Rules Committee. A member of the Executive Committee shall act as chairperson of the Rules Committee which shall be responsible for reviewing and proposing updates to OCC Rules, the convention standing rules, and these Bylaws.

(9.3) Finance Committee. The OCC Treasurer shall act as chairperson of the Finance Committee, which shall be responsible for the raising of and accounting for funds within O‘ahu County as well as prepare the biennial budget.

(9.4) Legislation Committee. The Legislation Committee shall be responsible for promoting the passage of legislation and resolutions at the Honolulu City Council and the Hawaiʻi State Legislature consistent with the positions of the Democratic Party as expressed in the platform and resolutions adopted at the Oʻahu County Convention, or by a vote of the Oʻahu County Committee (OCC). The Legislation Committee shall prepare a plan for approval by the OCC prior to each legislative session and shall provide timely reports to the OCC during the session and throughout the year for the Honolulu City Council and shall be subject to oversight by the OCC. The Legislation Committee shall be responsible for matters delegated or duties as from timeto-time maybe assigned to it by the Chair and/or OCC.

(9.5) Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall be responsible for coordinating recruitment of new members and/or membership drives, develop and maintain of onboarding procedures for new members, encourage the registration of voters, as well as coordinating membership enhancements.

(9.6) Convention Planning Committee. The Convention Planning Committee shall be responsible for planning and organizing annual and special county conventions. The site selection recommendations and budget shall be presented to and be subject to the approval of the County Executive Committee.

(9.7) Elections Committee. The Elections Committee shall be responsible for planning and organizing regular and special elections of county officers at county conventions and/or between conventions as needed, or, as directed by the County Chairperson, for other elections that may by law or State Party rules be assigned to the County Committee. No member of this committee may run as a candidate for any office this committee is assigned to plan or organize.

(9.8) Affirmative Action, Inclusion and Diversity Committee. The Affirmative Action, Inclusion and Diversity Committee shall be responsible for developing the OCC Affirmative Action Plan, tracking its implementation, and reporting results to the OCC. It shall also be responsible for providing advice and assistance to all Regions and Districts to assure full participation and equal opportunity of Hawaiʻi's diverse population in the Oʻahu County Committee (inclusive of its regions, districts, and precincts), its programs and activities. The AAI&D Committee may advocate legislative measures impacting upon under-represented groups.

(9.9) Special Committees. The County Chairperson may create special committees as may be necessary to accomplish tasks consistent with the mission of the Oʻahu County organization and not otherwise within the charge of existing standing committees.


Section 10. Duties and Responsibilities of the Oʻahu County Committee (OCC).
(10.1) It shall be the duty of the OCC to establish and maintain an active and effective Democratic Party organization within the City and County of Honolulu, to inform Democrats within the County of Democratic Party policy and activities and to insure as large a vote as possible for Democratic Party candidates in the election.

(10.2) To attain these goals, the OCC shall take such steps as necessary to encourage officials of the County, elected and appointed in the name of the Democratic Party to observe the platforms and principles of the O‘ahu County Democrats and the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

(10.3) It shall be the duty of the OCC to cooperate in the carrying out of the policies and programs of the State Central Committee.


Section 11. Alternative Dispute Process.
In addition to assigning a complaint to the rules committee or a special investigative committee pursuant to Article 1, section 8B.5 of the Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the County Chair shall appoint a neutral mediator, if agreed upon by the parties to the complaint, to attempt to reach an amicable resolution between the parties to the complaint. The neutral mediator shall find a place and time to meet with the accused and the complainant together and shall attempt to mediate an agreement between the parties that resolves the matters within the complaint. The process required by this section shall run in concurrence with the complaint process as provided by the Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.


Section 12. County Convention: Time and Notices.
(12.1) The annual convention of the Oʻahu County Democrats shall be held at least three (3) weeks prior to the State Convention in even-numbered years, and the time of the meeting shall be fixed by the OCC, which may provide that the convention be conducted by electronic means as may be necessary to protect the health and safety of the delegates. Special conventions may be called in accordance with the Oʻahu County bylaws, rules and convention rules. The officers of the OCC shall be elected in odd-numbered years. Oʻahu County State Central Committee Representatives are elected in even-numbered years in accordance with the Constitution of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

(12.1.1) The business and purposes of the County's Annual Convention in odd-numbered years shall be limited to and dedicated to the following work relating to Oʻahu County:

  1. Elect county officers and region chairs;
  2. Consider and vote on changes in the County platform and County Bylaws; and
  3. Consider and vote on resolutions that relate specifically and exclusively to Oʻahu County issues and the work of Oʻahu County Committee and its committees.

(12.1.2) The business and purposes of the County's Annual Convention in even-numbered years shall be limited to and dedicated to the following work relating to the State Party:

  1. Elect the County Representatives to the SCC;
  2. Consider and vote on proposals for the State Biennial Convention to amend the DPH Constitution, Bylaws, and Platform; and
  3. Consider and vote on resolutions addressing State-wide, National, or International policies that can be proposed to the delegates of the DPH Biennial Convention on behalf of Oʻahu County Democrats

(12.2) All delegates and alternate delegates to the County Convention shall be notified by mail or email of the time and place thereof at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the date of the County Convention.

(12.3) The convention committees shall meet at least seven (7) days prior to the County Convention. These committees shall accept submissions at the convention committee meetings with a 2/3 vote of the convention committee members present.

(12.4) The delegate body of the Convention shall be comprised as follows.

  1. Each District shall have twenty five (25) delegates.
    1. Delegates shall be elected at the time of the biennial election meeting as prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
    2. Members elected to the District Council shall automatically become delegates to the Oʻahu County Convention.
    3. The remaining delegates (called "At-large delegates") shall be elected at the same time by all the district members present at the biennial election meeting
    4. Alternate delegates may also be elected by all members present at the biennial election meeting.
  2. Each District shall make every effort to elect delegates composed of equal numbers of men and women.
  3. In addition to elected delegates, the District Chairperson of each district and members of the Executive Committee of the Oʻahu County Committee shall be delegates to the Oʻahu County Convention.
  4. If, following the Biennial Elections, there remain vacant At-Large delegate positions, the District Council shall be empowered to fill the remaining positions, up until ten (10) days prior to the convention, after that the District Chairperson shall be empowered, provided that:
    1. Best attempts are made to ensure gender equity is maintained; and
    2. District Council meetings to fill vacancies may be conducted by videoconference, phone or email; and
    3. Appointments shall be in writing.
  5. If an elected delegate cannot attend, they shall notify the District Chairperson in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the convening of the convention. The District Chairperson shall select the first alternate delegate and move down the list of alternates in order when filling any subsequent delegate positions created by withdrawals. If there is no alternate list, the District Chairperson will inform the District Council members and all District members who have an email address on file with the Party of the vacancy or vacancies. Members will let the District Chair know of their desire to become a delegate. The District Chair will fill vacancies on a first come, first served basis, but will make the best effort to select a person of the same genderE. If an elected delegate cannot attend, they shall notify the District Chairperson in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the convening of the convention. The District Chairperson shall select the first alternate delegate and move down the list of alternates in order when filling any subsequent delegate positions created by withdrawals. If there is no alternate list, the District Chairperson will inform the District Council members and all District members who have an email address on file with the Party of the vacancy or vacancies. Members will let the District Chair know of their desire to become a delegate. The District Chair will fill vacancies on a first come, first served basis, but will make the best effort to select a person of the same gender;
  6. Each delegate to the Oʻahu County Convention is entitled to one (1) vote.
  7. No official delegate shall be prevented from fully participating in the County Convention due to an inability to pay part or all of the established registration fee.

(12.5) Elected federal, state and County officials, or officials who may have been appointed to fill a vacant position of an elected official, and who currently serve in office shall have all the rights and privileges of a delegate subject to the following requirements:

  1. Be a member of the Democratic Party in good standing; and
  2. Have attained their present office in a partisan election as a Democrat or have been appointed to fill a vacant position of an elected official, or have attained their present office in a non-partisan State or County election, provided they are Democratic Party members in good standing and residents of Oʻahu.

(12.6) Former Democratic Governors, Lt. Governors, Oʻahu Mayors, State Party Chairs, and Oʻahu County Committee Chairs, and the current state party chair shall have all the rights and privileges of delegates so long as they are members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi in good standing, residents of Oʻahu and ran for their elected office as a member of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

(12.7) The Co-Chairs and members of the Convention Committees of Rules, Platform, Credentials and Resolutions shall be appointed by the County Chairperson, in keeping with the Party's commitment to gender equity, from among the Convention delegates with the concurrence of the Oʻahu County Committee.

(12.8) Voting members of the Convention Committees of Rules, Platform, Credentials and Resolution shall be delegates to the Oʻahu County Convention. If at all possible the voting members shall be evenly divided among the regions. The members shall be appointed by the County Chairperson according to a process approved by the Oʻahu County Committee. Each committee shall not exceed 5% of the total eligible county convention delegates.

(12.9) All members of the Oʻahu County Democrats are invited to attend and voice their opinions in the Convention Committee meetings that take place prior to the annual County Convention.

(12.10) A member of the Executive Committee shall serve as co-chair of the annual Oʻahu County Convention


Section 13. County Convention Rules.
(13.1) The Oʻahu County Committee may adopt rules for the proper conduct of Oʻahu County Convention business not inconsistent or in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and, except for rules regarding submission format and deadlines, are subject to amendment by Convention delegates.

(13.2) The platform adopted by delegates at conventions of the Oʻahu County Democrats shall remain in force and effect until rescinded or amended by a two-thirds roll call vote of the full membership of the Oʻahu County Committee or by a majority of votes cast by delegates at an annual or special convention, or until they come into conflict with the platform of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

(13.3) Effective June 1, 2022, the resolutions adopted by delegates at conventions of the Oʻahu County Democrats shall remain in force and effect until rescinded or amended by a two-thirds roll call vote of the full membership of the Oʻahu County Committee or by a majority of votes cast by delegates at an annual or special convention, or until they come into conflict with the platform or resolutions of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, or for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the date of adoption.

(13.4) Resolutions adopted at a county convention in a non State Convention year will not be referred by Oʻahu County to a future State Convention.

(13.5) Resolutions adopted may be edited & reformatted by the secretary as needed to correct spelling and grammar and to conform with the convention submission rules, the posted and published resolutions of the county, and the format described in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.


Section 14. Adoption and Amendment of Oʻahu County Bylaws.
(14.1) Proposals to amend or revise these bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds vote at any annual or special Oʻahu County Convention or at any regular meeting of the Oʻahu County Committee by a majority of all its members, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting. The OCC shall submit the proposed bylaws or bylaw changes to the State Central Committee within ninety (90) calendar days of adoption. Upon the determination by the State Central Committee that the proposed bylaws or bylaw changes are not inconsistent or in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the bylaws of the Oʻahu County Democrats and bylaw changes shall become effective.

(14.2) In the event the State Central Committee fails to ratify the proposed bylaws or bylaw changes, the OCC may at the next State Convention appeal for ratification of the same by the Convention.

(14.3) In the event the OCC fails to submit the proposed bylaws or bylaw changes for ratification, or if the same are not ratified in accordance with this section, then the duly ratified Bylaws of the Oʻahu County Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi shall remain applicable to the Oʻahu County Democrats and the Oʻahu County Committee.

(14.4) Impossibility Provision. In the event of an emergency, such provisions of these bylaws as deemed necessary may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Oʻahu County Committee at a regular or special meeting so long as notice is given and posted on the public website two weeks in advance. Any suspension under this provision must describe a compelling interest for the suspension and include specific dates when the suspension begins and ends.


Section 15. Parliamentary Procedure Guidance.
The rules of parliamentary procedure as set forth in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall guide the Oʻahu County Committee and govern all proceedings not provided for in these bylaws, so long as the rules of parliamentary procedure are reasonably applicable and not inconsistent or in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

As ratified by the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi August 27, 2022