Hawaii Senate Bill SB3250

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

Proposing To Amend The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Make Incumbent Legislators Temporarily Ineligible For Service Based On The Size Of The Native Hawaiian Population.

Impact

If enacted, SB3250 would instigate significant changes in the legislative accountability structure within Hawaii, influencing how elected officials are held responsible for demographic changes within their constituents. The bill intends to empower voters to re-evaluate the performance of legislators during periods of population decline, particularly concerning Native Hawaiians. This measure aims to prioritize the needs of the Native Hawaiian community and ensure that their interests are adequately represented in the state legislature.

Summary

SB3250 is a proposed bill to amend the Constitution of the State of Hawaii. The bill seeks to establish a mechanism for the temporary ineligibility of state legislators based on changes in the Native Hawaiian population, specifically, if there is a decrease of five percent or more according to the U.S. Census. The rationale behind this proposal is rooted in the belief that legislators should actively address and be accountable for the concerns of Native Hawaiians, particularly regarding issues such as the cost of living and the exodus of Native Hawaiians from the state. If the population declines meet the criteria outlined in the bill, all legislators in office at the time of the census would become ineligible to serve for one term following the census results.

Contention

There may be varying opinions regarding the implications of such a constitutional amendment. Proponents argue that it would promote increased accountability among legislators, potentially leading to more focused efforts on issues pertinent to the Native Hawaiian population. However, opponents might voice concerns about its implications on political stability and the ability of elected officials to fulfill their terms despite challenges in demographic shifts. The effectiveness of this mechanism in genuinely fostering legislative responsiveness and its potential consequences on governance and political continuity will likely be areas of considerable debate.