Bill > SB1238

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Hawaii that would temporarily bar incumbent state legislators from serving in their legislative office if the Native Hawaiian population decreases by 5% or more between two consecutive U.S. Census counts. The proposed amendment is designed to incentivize legislators to address challenges facing Native Hawaiians, particularly economic issues like the cost of living that may be causing population decline. Specifically, if the U.S. Census reveals such a population decrease, all state legislators in office at the time of the census release would be ineligible to serve in any state legislative office during the next term. The bill acknowledges that significant out-migration of Native Hawaiians suggests that legislators have not effectively addressed the community's needs, and thus provides a mechanism for voter-driven accountability. The proposed constitutional change would require voter approval through a ballot measure, which would ask voters if they support this new eligibility restriction. If approved, the amendment would take effect according to the state constitution's procedures for constitutional modifications.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1238&year=2026