Bill > HB488

This bill proposes several constitutional amendments to enhance accountability and governance in Hawaii's elected offices. First, it would require any state elected official charged with a criminal offense related to their duties to be suspended without pay until the case is resolved, and if convicted, permanently barred from holding future public office while forfeiting associated pensions and benefits. The bill also introduces term limits for legislative and executive positions: members of the state house of representatives would be limited to ten consecutive years, state senators to twelve consecutive years, and the governor and lieutenant governor would have their partial terms counted toward their term limit calculations. Importantly, officials who reach their term limits would still be eligible to run for the same office again after a four-year absence. These changes would apply to terms beginning after the 2026 general election, giving current officials time to adjust to the new rules. The proposed amendments aim to promote accountability, prevent long-term entrenchment of political officials, and maintain public trust in government by introducing more stringent oversight and term limits for elected positions.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=488&year=2026