Governor of Hawaii

The Governor of Hawaii, also called Ke Kia‘aina o Hawai‘i, is the chief executive of the State of Hawaii and its various agencies and departments, as provided in the Hawaii State Constitution Article V, Sections 1 through 6. It is a directly elected position, votes being cast by popular suffrage of residents of the state. The governor is responsible for enacting laws passed by the Hawaii State Legislature and upholding rulings of the Hawaii State Judiciary. The role includes being commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Hawaii and having the power to use those forces to execute laws, suppress insurrection and violence and repel invasion. The Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii becomes acting governor upon the governor's absence from the state or disability from discharging duties. Historically, the Governor of Hawaii has been from either the Democratic Party of Hawaii or Hawaii Republican Party.

Residence

The Governor of Hawaii resides in what was once a minor royal palace of Queen Lili'uokalani and her husband, Prince Consort John Owen Dominis. Washington Place, the executive mansion, is located across the street from the Hawaii State Capitol where the Office of the Governor is located. Washington Place is accessed from the Capitol through underground passages beneath Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu. Befitting of its history as a former minor royal palace, the Governors of Hawaii have entertained royal families from around the world at Washington Place including the Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Emperors Hirohito and Akihito of Japan.

Related Topics:
Queen Lili'uokalani - Prince Consort John Owen Dominis - Washington Place - Hawaii State Capitol - Downtown Honolulu - Queen Elizabeth II - United Kingdom - Hirohito - Akihito - Japan

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In 2002, a new mansion that was commissioned by Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano on the grounds of Washington Place was opened. The original residence had been transformed into a royal museum but is still used for official state dinners and other such occasions. Governor Cayetano was the first governor to take up residence in the new mansion for a few days before leaving office. Governor Linda Lingle became the first governor to begin a term in the new mansion.

Related Topics:
2002 - Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano

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