Hawaii House Bill HB1168

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

Impact

The proposed amendments are significant as they would revise how Hawaii determines representation in its legislature. Currently, the state utilizes the term 'permanent residents,' which may have led to discrepancies in population representation. By shifting the focus to total resident population, the bill seeks to ensure that legislative districts are drawn more equitably, based on the most current demographic data available from federal censuses. This could lead to changes in the number of representatives from various parts of the state, potentially affecting policy priorities and local governance.

Summary

House Bill 1168 proposes amendments to Article IV, Sections 4 and 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution regarding the process of reapportionment for state legislative districts. The bill aims to establish that reapportionment will be based on the resident population as counted in the most recent decennial United States census. This change reflects a shift toward aligning with practices seen in other states, creating a basis for allocating legislative seats that is more standardized and equitable.

Contention

While the bill presents a straightforward change aimed at increasing fairness in representation, it may not be free of contention. Discussions may arise regarding the definition of 'resident,' particularly in relation to transient populations and its implications on districts that include military personnel or students. Additionally, the bill might face opposition from those who believe the current system, despite its imperfections, better serves the specific socio-political landscape of Hawaii, which is marked by unique demographic characteristics that may not be fully captured through a general enumeration of residents.