WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1238

PROPOSING TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO MAKE INCUMBENT LEGISLATORS TEMPORARILY INELIGIBLE FOR SERVICE BASED ON THE SIZE OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN POPULATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brenton Awa

Bill SB 1238 aims to amend Hawaii's Constitution, making incumbent legislators temporarily ineligible based on the Native Hawaiian population size, enhancing their representation.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#constitutionalamendment #ineligibility #legislators #nativehawaiians(conam)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1238

Summary of Bill SB 1238

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 1238
Title: Proposing to Amend the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to Make Incumbent Legislators Temporarily Ineligible for Service Based on the Size of the Native Hawaiian Population
Status: Referred to JDC/HWN, WAM
Introduced: January 21, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Constitutional Amendment, Ineligibility, Legislators, Native Hawaiians (ConAm)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SB 1238 is to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii that would establish temporary ineligibility criteria for incumbent legislators based on the size of the Native Hawaiian population. This bill aims to address representation and ensure that the legislative body reflects the demographics of the state, particularly the Native Hawaiian community.

Key Provisions

  • Temporary Ineligibility: The bill seeks to create a framework where incumbent legislators may be deemed temporarily ineligible to serve if the Native Hawaiian population reaches a certain threshold. The specific criteria for this threshold are not detailed in the current version of the bill.
  • Constitutional Amendment Process: If passed, this bill would initiate the process of amending the state constitution, which requires additional legislative approval and potentially a public referendum.

Impact

  • Legislators: The bill directly affects incumbent legislators, who may find themselves ineligible to serve based on demographic changes within the Native Hawaiian population.
  • Native Hawaiian Community: The amendment is intended to enhance representation for Native Hawaiians in the legislative process, potentially leading to more equitable governance and policy-making that reflects their needs and interests.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • January 21, 2025: Bill was introduced and is pending introduction.
    • January 23, 2025: Passed First Reading.
    • January 27, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JDC/HWN) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees for further consideration.

Conclusion

Bill SB 1238 proposes a significant constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing the representation of Native Hawaiians in the state legislature by instituting temporary ineligibility for incumbent legislators based on demographic criteria. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for governance and representation in Hawaii will be closely monitored.

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

Sign in to ask a question.