Bill > HB298

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for Hawaii state legislators, capping service at a maximum of twelve years across both the house of representatives and senate for terms beginning after the 2026 general election. The bill is based on a 2023 Pew Research study showing broad public support for legislative term limits, noting that at least fifteen other states already have similar restrictions. Specifically, the amendment would modify Article III, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution to add language preventing any legislator from serving more than twelve years total, whether in the house, senate, or a combination of both chambers. The bill includes a grandfather clause that would not disqualify current legislators who have already exceeded the twelve-year limit. Voters will be asked to approve this change through a ballot measure that directly asks if legislators should be limited to twelve years of service. If approved, the amendment would take effect according to the state constitution's amendment procedures, aiming to address public concerns about career politicians and potential legislative stagnation while preserving the part-time nature of Hawaii's legislature.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=298&year=2025