HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1976

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

proposing AN amendment to article XVII of the constitution of the state of hawaii for REFERENDUM.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article XVII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to provide for referendum. The legislature finds that no method exists for referendum in Hawaii and that this political mechanism would be in the best interests of Hawaii. Referendum is a powerful tool the public can utilize to defend liberty and justice. Often, a majority consensus is reached by the people before legislative changes are set forth by elected representatives. Therefore, referendum empowers voters to drive legislation instead of relying on the inefficient and often ineffective representative democracy. This Act is self-executing, but the legislature may enact legislation to enable its operation, including the timing and manner of a referendum; provided that the legislation may not restrict or limit the provisions of this section or the powers reserved in this section.

     SECTION 2.  Article XVII of the Hawaii Constitution is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     Section  . Referendum.  Referendum power shall be reserved to the people, except for laws providing for making, amending or repealing laws for appropriation of public funds and collective bargaining agreements.

SECTION 3.  The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

    "Shall the State Constitution be amended to specify that referendum power shall be reserved to the people, except for laws providing for making, amending or repealing laws for appropriation of public funds and collective bargaining agreements?"

     SECTION 4.  New constitutional material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Hawaii Constitution.

 

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Referendum

 

 

Description:

Amends article XVII of the State Constitution to provide for Referendum.

 

 

 

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