This bill could significantly impact state laws by formalizing the process for holding the state's highest executive offices accountable for misconduct. The inclusion of specific causes for impeachment, such as malfeasance, corruption, and dereliction of duty, provides a legal basis for action against the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Furthermore, the bill ensures that impeachment does not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification from future office-holding, establishing clear outcomes for those found guilty.
House Bill 1339 aims to establish a clear framework for the impeachment of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. It proposes to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes by adding a new chapter that outlines the procedures for initiating impeachment, the causes that may lead to such actions, and the subsequent legal processes to be followed. Impeachment would be instigated in the House of Representatives through the adoption of a resolution, which would lead to the formation of management teams responsible for preparing articles of impeachment. These articles would then be forwarded to the Senate, which would act as a court of impeachment during the hearings.
While the bill lays down a structured process for impeachment, it may lead to debates surrounding the interpretation of the causes for impeachment and the criteria set forth for determining misconduct. Notably, the potential for politically motivated impeachments can raise concerns among legislators and the public alike regarding the fairness and objectivity of the impeachment proceedings. There's also the question of whether establishing these procedures might impact the political landscape in Hawaii, especially in future instances where impeachment becomes a viable course of action.