Hawaii House Bill HB764

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

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

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

Impact

If passed, HB764 would mark a significant shift in the governance of legislative terms in Hawaii, potentially altering the length of service for elected officials in the state. The amendment aims to not just impose limits but to set a standard that would influence how long legislators can serve, thereby aiming to bring new perspectives and reduce potential entrenchment in political positions. The passage of this bill may lead to a scenario where legislators are more responsive to the electorate, ideally leading to fresh ideas and solutions as new representatives enter the legislature more frequently than before.

Summary

House Bill 764 proposes an amendment to Article III, Section 4 of the Hawaii Constitution, aimed at establishing term limits for state legislators. This proposal comes in response to a significant public call for term limits, highlighted by a 2018 Civil Beat poll indicating that 70% of likely voters support such measures. The bill suggests that a defined number of terms for legislators should be enacted and is intended to guide a legislative process allowing the establishment of specific term limits for legislators during the 2027 and 2028 sessions. The bill emphasizes the need for a constitutional directive to facilitate the enactment of term limits, which has long been a debated topic among legislators without consensus on how to implement it effectively.

Contention

While supporters of HB764 argue that term limits can increase accountability and stimulate political participation, opponents may contend that such limits could undermine the experience and continuity of governance that comes from longer-serving legislators. As political reform discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the proposed amendment would navigate various legislative and public perceptions regarding the effectiveness and necessity of term limits. The bill's ultimate success will depend on aligning the political will among legislators and addressing any apprehensions from stakeholders concerned about the implications of reducing legislative tenure.