There shall be appointed a commission to be known as the real estate commission, to consist of nine members, at least four of whom shall be licensed real estate brokers who have been engaged in business as licensed real estate brokers or salespersons for three years immediately preceding their appointments, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States and shall have resided in the State for at least three years preceding appointment, and one of whom shall be designated by the appointing power as chairperson. Four members shall be residents of the city and county of Honolulu, one shall be a resident of the county of Hawaii, one shall be a resident of the county of Maui, and one shall be a resident of the county of Kauai and two members shall be public members.

Appointments shall be made for a term of four years, commencing from the date of expiration of the last preceding term and shall be made to expire on June 30. Appointments shall be made so that at least one appointment shall be required each year.

Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.