A measure allowing Hawaii’s governor to directly appoint the state Board of Education is heading to a vote before the full House after clearing its final committee.

The House Finance Committee unanimously passed the bill Wednesday.

The legislation would give Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie the power to choose his education team without having his choices limited to a list submitted by an advisory panel.

Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment in November allowing the governor to appoint board members, but it wasn’t clear whether he would pick them himself or have to choose from a list. Currently, Board of Education members are elected.

The Senate must confirm the governor’s Board of Education nominees before they take office.

The legislation passed the Senate last month.

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Online:

SB8: http://capitol.hawaii.gov/