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SB 2265

PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO ENABLE LEGISLATION BY THE PEOPLE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Keohokalole and 1 co-sponsor

SB 2265 would amend Hawaii's constitution to allow citizens to directly enact laws through voter-approved ballot initiatives, bypassing legislative approval.

Re-Referred to JDC, WAM.
#constitutionalamendment #initiative #referendum(conam)
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Bill Summary · SB 2265

Legislative bill overview

SB 2265 proposes amendments to Hawaii's state constitution to establish a citizen-initiated legislative process, commonly known as ballot initiatives or "legislation by the people." This would allow Hawaiian voters to directly propose, draft, and enact laws without requiring the state legislature's approval, provided they meet specified signature and voting thresholds.

Why is this important

Currently, Hawaii is one of a minority of states without a constitutional initiative process, meaning citizens cannot bypass the legislature to enact laws directly. This proposal would fundamentally shift policymaking power by giving voters an additional mechanism to address issues they believe the legislature is ignoring or mishandling. The practical impact depends heavily on the specific procedural requirements the amendment would establish (signature thresholds, voting percentages, subject matter restrictions).

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative power erosion: Legislators may resist reducing their exclusive lawmaking authority and fear circumvention of the deliberative legislative process for complex policy matters
  • Implementation complexity: Questions about what procedural safeguards would prevent poorly-drafted initiatives, frivolous measures, or ballot clutter that could confuse voters
  • Special interest influence: Concerns that well-funded groups could more easily manipulate direct democracy than navigate legislative committee processes, potentially disadvantaging grassroots movements with limited resources

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

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