HCC §2-8
Who takes over as mayor in an emergency
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗If the mayor is away or unable to act because of a disaster, the managing director steps in. If that person can't, the finance director does. If that person can't, other department heads take over in a set order.
counties
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Order of succession to office of mayor
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
In the event of civil, military or natural disaster, during the temporary absence or disability of the mayor, the managing director shall act as mayor. If the office of managing director is vacant, or during such periods as the managing director is unable to so act, the director of finance shall then act as mayor. If the office of director of finance is vacant, or during such periods as the director of finance is unable to so act, then the planning director, director of research and development, director of human resources, and director, department of liquor control, shall succeed to the office of mayor in the order specified herein. Article 3. Office of the Corporation Counsel.
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.