Hawaii Senate Bill SB1217

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/27/23

Caption

Proposing To Amend Article V Of The State Constitution To Raise The State Residency Requirement For Candidates For Governor And Lieutenant Governor.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would alter the qualifications required for candidates seeking the highest executive offices in Hawaii. By raising the residency requirement from five to thirty years, the bill may limit the pool of potential candidates, possibly disenfranchising those who have moved to Hawaii more recently but who possess relevant experience and qualifications. The amendment could have lasting impacts on political diversity and representation, particularly affecting the ability of new residents who may be politically active and knowledgeable about local issues to run for office.

Summary

Senate Bill 1217 proposes to amend Article V of the State Constitution of Hawaii to significantly increase the minimum residency requirement for candidates running for governor and lieutenant governor. Currently, candidates are required to have been residents of the state for five years; this bill seeks to extend that requirement to thirty years, starting with the general election of 2026. The intention behind this amendment is likely to ensure that candidates have a deeper understanding and connection to the state and its issues, derived from a longer residence period.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that a longer residency requirement would enhance governance by ensuring candidates are well-versed in local needs and challenges, contending that deeper roots in the community will lead to more informed decision-making. However, opponents may view this change as unnecessarily exclusionary, arguing it restricts democratic participation. The proposed amendment could provoke debates about the balance between experience, representation, and accessibility in political offices in Hawaii, as well as discussions about the implications of enforcing such residency requirements on a diverse and dynamic population.