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HB 2428

PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 16 co-sponsors

Hawaii constitutional amendment would impose legislative term limits on state legislators, forcing periodic turnover in the legislature pending voter approval.

Referred to LMG, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 6
#constitutionalamendment #legislators #termlimits(conam)
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Bill Summary · HB 2428

Legislative bill overview

HB 2428 proposes a constitutional amendment to Hawaii's state constitution that would impose term limits on state legislators. The bill has recently been introduced and passed first reading, currently awaiting committee review in three chambers: Local and General Government (LMG), Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), and Finance (FIN).

Why is this important

Term limits would fundamentally alter Hawaii's legislative composition by forcing periodic turnover in the state legislature, affecting legislative experience and institutional knowledge. This touches on broader debates about incumbent advantage, voter choice, campaign finance, and whether longer-serving legislators provide stability or entrench political power.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional authority and voter approval: Amending Hawaii's constitution requires voter approval via referendum, raising questions about whether this reflects genuine constituent demand or represents a partisan effort to reshape the legislature
  • Experience vs. fresh perspectives: Opponents argue term limits remove experienced legislators and institutional expertise; supporters contend they reduce incumbent advantages and encourage new candidates and ideas
  • Specific term length and grandfather clauses: The bill's details matter significantly—how many terms would be allowed (4, 6, 8 years?), whether current legislators are exempt, and whether these limits apply to leadership positions remain unspecified in available information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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