The City of Hawaiian Gardens was formally incorporated as a city on April 9, 1964. The City of Hawaiian Gardens is a General Law City (not a Charter city) and governs itself as a Council-City Administrator form of government. The City Council Members must be residents of the City of Hawaiian Gardens and registered voters. City elections are considered non-partisan. The City Council is elected by the constituents and then the City Council hires the City Administrator. The City Council establishes policies and the City Administrator, assisted by the Department Heads, implements said policies to provide quality service to the public and the community.

The City Council consists of five members who are elected at-large to a four-year term of office. Elections are held in November of odd-numbered years and either two or three members are elected. The most recent City Election was held on November 6, 2007 where 2 Council seats were up for election.

Every November the legislative body re-organizes and selects a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem from among themselves to serve for approximately one year. The Mayor serves as the presiding officer of the City Council and conducts all its meetings. In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem becomes the presiding officer.

The City Council meets on a regular basis every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the City of Hawaiian Gardens City Council Chambers, 21815 Pioneer Blvd. The public is encouraged to attend Council and Commission meetings.