Hawaii Senate Bill SB1563

Hawaii 2024 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, this change would not only increase the size of the commission but also transform its composition by adding representatives from civil society. The intent is to provide a voice for citizen organizations within the legislative districting process, which has significant implications for political representation. The existing framework allows established political figures to dominate the commission, and by incorporating citizen representatives, SB1563 aims to address potential biases toward specific political interests and promote broader democratic participation.

Summary

SB1563 proposes an amendment to Article IV, Section 2, of the Hawaii State Constitution to expand the Reapportionment Commission from nine to eleven members. This amendment aims to include two additional members specifically representing citizen organizations, with appointments made by the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The goal of this proposal is to enhance citizen representation in the reapportionment process, ensuring that diverse community perspectives are considered during critical decisions regarding legislative and congressional district boundaries.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to strengthen democratic representation, it may also face opposition. Critics could argue that such changes could complicate the commission's functioning and delay the reapportionment process. Concerns might be raised about the qualifications of the appointed citizen representatives and their ability to effectively contribute to the commission's work. Additionally, the balance of power within the commission could be a point of contention, particularly among established political parties that may feel threatened by increased citizen involvement.