At least nine Hawai'i legislators may leave office following this year's legislative session.

Most of them are seeking promotions to higher office.

Five are considering runs for lieutenant governor, all of them Democrats: Rep. Lyla Berg, Sen. Robert Bunda, Sen. Gary Hooser, Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu and Sen. Norman Sakamoto.

Two House members would likely run for Senate to fill potential vacancies created by Bunda and Sakamoto. They are Reps. Michael Magaoay and Glenn Wakai, both Democrats.

Republican Sen. Fred Hemmings is retiring.

Democratic Senate President Colleen Hanabusa is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, and she would depart the Legislature if she wins the May 22 election.