Hawaii House Bill HB488

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii Constitution To Promote Accountability In Elected Officials.

Impact

If enacted, these changes would mark a significant shift in how accountability is enforced among elected officials in Hawaii. The bill acknowledges the long-standing concerns regarding corruption and misconduct among politicians by introducing clear penalties for criminal behavior. This approach aims to ensure that elected officials are held accountable and emphasizes that criminal actions have serious consequences for those in public service. The term limit provisions are expected to promote turnover within the legislature, which proponents argue could lead to more fresh ideas and perspectives in state governance.

Summary

House Bill 488 proposes significant amendments to the Hawaii Constitution aimed at enhancing accountability among elected officials. The main provisions of the bill include mandatory suspension without pay for any elected official charged with a crime relating to their duties, and an outright ban on holding office for those convicted of such offenses. Additionally, the bill imposes term limits of ten consecutive years for state representatives and twelve consecutive years for state senators, with specific rules for service duration counting toward these limits. These amendments are designed to restore public trust in government institutions and limit the tenure of long-serving legislators.

Contention

While supporters advocate for the necessity of HB 488 as a means to promote ethical governance and prevent the entrenchment of power, opponents could raise issues regarding the practical implications of its terms. Critics might argue that such sweeping changes could result in politically motivated suspensions or unfair treatment of officials, potentially leading to instability in governance. Furthermore, the term limit provisions could be seen as hindering experienced legislators from serving their communities. This could ignite debates about the balance between accountability and the effectiveness of long-serving officials who have built institutional knowledge.