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HRS §121-5

Governor's role as head of the state military

The governor is the top commander of the state's military forces. The governor can make rules and forms to run the military, and these rules have the same power as law. The usual rule-making process does not apply.

The statute, as written — Command

The governor shall be the commander in chief of the forces comprising the militia. The governor is authorized to promulgate such rules, regulations, and forms therefor as are not inconsistent with law, and to carry into full effect the law relative thereto. The provisions of chapter 91 shall not apply. The rules, regulations, and forms shall have the force of law.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.