Hawaii House Bill HB764

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

Impact

Enacting HB 764 would transform the political landscape of Hawaii by potentially reducing the length of service for legislators. If the amendment passes, it will limit the number of terms that both House and Senate members can serve, thereby preventing long-standing incumbents from dominating the legislature. This could lead to increased competition for legislative seats, as new candidates might find it easier to enter the political arena without facing entrenched incumbents. Advocates argue that such changes are necessary to enhance democratic practices and reflect the will of the constituents more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 764 proposes a significant amendment to Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii. The main objective of this bill is to establish term limits for members of the state legislature, thereby limiting how long these elected officials can serve in office. According to the finding cited in the bill, a 2018 Civil Beat poll indicated that 70% of likely voters in Hawaii support the implementation of term limits, reflecting a desire for more accountability and rotation in legislative representation. This proposal aims to address that public sentiment by enabling the legislature to enact a law for term limits during the 2027 and 2028 legislative sessions for terms beginning after the general election of 2028.

Contention

This bill may also face contention among legislators who might resist the need for term limits, arguing that it could eliminate experienced lawmakers from the legislature. Critics of term limits often contend that eliminating long-serving legislators could strip the assembly of valuable experience and institutional knowledge that is important for effective governance. Additionally, there could be concerns over how such a change might impact the continuity of legislative priorities and the ability to pass complex laws that require long-term deliberation and understanding.