Their self-written bios are available at the diocesan Web site, www.episcopalhawaii.org (see: bishop search).

Chang, who intends to remain in office until his successor is consecrated in March, was born and raised in Honolulu. All candidates have either lived in or visited Hawai'i.

The list includes more than its usual allotment of women. "I think that's interesting," said the Rev. Liz Beasley, diocesan spokeswoman. "It's not unusual for any bishop seat to have a woman candidate, but (two) is interesting."

Congregants can still nominate candidates by petition, she said. That requires following a procedure, gathering enough signatures and obtaining information by Sept. 1.

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i is one of the smallest diocese in the Episcopal Church, with about 8,000 members in 39 congregations.

"On Oct. 20, we will meet, start with the Eucharist, and once we've gone through the preliminary credentialing, the first official order of business is the election of the fifth bishop of Hawai'i," Beasley said. "We elect by 'order,' which means the clergy vote in one block and the lay vote in another block. To be elected as a bishop, the candidate must have majority votes by the clergy and by the laity."

Normally, this takes several ballots, she said. Balloting is done in open forum.