The Legislature continues to explore moving the date for the primary election from Sept. 18 to Aug. 14 to comply with a new federal law.

The law, which President Obama signed in October, requires that uniformed and civilian voters overseas be sent their absentee ballots at least 45 days before the Nov. 2 general election.

Hawaii's primary, the latest in the nation, is exactly 45 days before the general.

Since the candidates in some general election races will not be known until after the primary, printing general election ballots in time is impossible.

Elections officials are trying to file an appeal. Scott Nago, chief election officer, told a House committee in testimony that “;it would be difficult to meet this new federal requirement barring a change in our laws.”;

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing today on the proposal for an earlier primary election. House Bill 2397 has already passed the House.

State Sen. Brian Taniguchi, committee chairman, says he is not certain the change is really needed, but is willing to keep the discussion moving.

The timing of the primary election has clear political implications and both political parties can see the advantages of the earlier date.

“;It might expedite some decision making, and voters would have more of an idea of when who is doing what,”; said Dante Carpenter, acting Hawaii Democratic Party chairman.

If the primary election is changed to August, it would also move up the filing deadline from July 20 to June 1. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has noted that he does not have to formally file to run for governor until the July deadline, but a change in the law would force him to speed up his decision.

Republicans see advantages in moving up the primary election.

“;It is a good thing for the people of Hawaii to have an early election,”; said Jonah Kaauwai, Hawaii Republican Party chairman. “;It gives more time to analyze the candidates in a general election, so it would be very beneficial. I would think the Office of Elections would also welcome the extra time to get the election organized.”;

Kaauwai said he also sees benefits for the Democrats running for governor, likely a matchup between former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Hannemann.

“;I am certain that between Neil and Mufi, whoever comes out the winning—the front-runner—would want time to get the other side's troops over to them,”; Kaauwai said. “;It would be a time to bring both camps together, a time for healing.”;