Bill > SB1538

This bill requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to identify legislative districts in Hawaii where Native Hawaiians constitute a majority of the population. Once identified, these districts will be officially designated as "Native Hawaiian majority districts" for purposes of representation and recognition. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 201 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, creating a formal mechanism for acknowledging districts with significant Native Hawaiian populations. By mandating this identification and designation process, the bill aims to provide formal recognition of areas with substantial Native Hawaiian demographic concentrations, potentially enhancing visibility and representation for Native Hawaiian communities within the state's legislative framework. The act will take effect immediately upon approval, and the new statutory material is underscored to highlight the additions to existing law.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1538&year=2026