Hawaii Senate Bill SB1563

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iv, Section 2, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Add Two Members To The Reapportionment Commission To Represent Citizen Organizations.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will fundamentally alter the composition of the Reapportionment Commission in Hawaii. By increasing the commission's size and introducing citizen representatives, the bill intends to make the reapportionment process more inclusive. This change is expected to provide opportunities for citizen organizations to contribute their insights and advocacy, potentially leading to more equitable representation in the state's legislative districts. Consequently, the bill may influence how district boundaries are drawn, impacting the electoral landscape in Hawaii.

Summary

SB1563 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Article IV, Section 2 of the Hawaii State Constitution. The main objective of the bill is to expand the Reapportionment Commission from nine to eleven members, specifically by adding two representatives from citizen organizations who would be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. This amendment seeks to enhance citizen participation and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in the state's reapportionment processes.

Contention

The proposal also raises some points of contention among legislators. Critics may argue about the potential for increased complexity in the selection process and the actual effectiveness of adding citizen representatives. Some might question whether the inclusion of these additional members will significantly impact the commission's decision-making or if it will simply result in a larger body that could complicate consensus-building. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize that the representation of citizen organizations is vital for reflecting community concerns and priorities in legislative representation.