Hawaii Senate Bill SB1562

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Relating To Reapportionment.

Impact

The bill proposes significant alterations to Section 25-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, establishing a structure for legislative reapportionment that aligns with federal and state constitutional guidelines. The inclusion of multi-member districts may allow for a more equitable representation of the population, especially in regions with diverse communities. The intention is to have representation that not only reflects population numbers but also the geographical realities of Hawaii's islands.

Summary

Senate Bill 1562 is legislation aimed at amending the reapportionment process for the legislative bodies within the state of Hawaii. Specifically, it requires the Reapportionment Commission to apportion the House of Representatives among multi-member districts of no more than three members, in accordance with the boundaries of the Senate districts unless it is not practicable. This change seeks to establish a streamlined approach to legislative representation, reflecting population demographics more accurately while considering the complexities of multi-member districts.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB1562 is the potential political implications of creating multi-member districts. Critics may argue that this could lead to dilution of individual representation, making it more challenging for constituents to connect with their legislators. Additionally, the process for public consultation and hearings is included, which aims to increase transparency and involve community voices in reapportionment discussions. However, the effectiveness and accessibility of these public hearings may be debated, particularly in a culturally diverse and dispersed population like Hawaii.