Hawaii House of Representatives

Hawaii House of
Representatives

General Information
Party control: |  Democrat
Session start:[1] |  January 19, 2022
Session end:[1] |  May 5, 2022
Term length: |  2 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Commission
Salary: |  $60,180/year \+ per diem
Members
Total: | 51
Democrats: | 47
Republicans: | 4
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
Speaker: |  Scott Saiki (D)
Maj. Leader: |  Della Au Belatti (D)
Min. Leader: |  Val Okimoto (R)
Elections
Last election: | November 3, 2020
Next election: | November 8, 2022

The Hawaii House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Hawaii State Legislature. Alongside the Hawaii State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Hawaii state government and works alongside the governor of Hawaii to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Hawaii House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Hawaii House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission approved new legislative district maps on January 28, 2022.[2] The commission's Technical Committee Permitted Interaction Group initially presented the state legislative map plans to the commission for consideration on October 14, 2021. The map plans were approved for public comment on October 28.[3] On January 6, the commission approved a motion to modify the legislative map plans after learning the initial plans had not properly accounted for the number of nonpermanent resident personnel on military installations in the state, who are not included in legislative redistricting. Under the modified proposal, one legislative district would be moved from Oahu to Hawaii.[4][5] This map takes effect for Hawaii's 2022 state legislative elections.
Click here for more information about redistricting after the 2020 census.

* All 51 Hawaii House seats are up for election in 2022.

* All 51 Hawaii House seats were up for election in 2020. The chamber's Democratic majority increased from 45-6 to 47-4. Click to read more »
* Hawaii has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Hawaii House of Representatives.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Contents

* 1 Party control
* 1.1 Current partisan control
* 2 Members
* 2.1 Leadership
* 2.2 Current leadership and members
* 2.3 Salaries
* 2.4 Swearing in dates
* 2.5 Membership qualifications
* 3 Historical party control
* 3.1 Trifecta history
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Elections by year
* 4.2 2022
* 4.3 2020
* 4.4 2018
* 4.5 2016
* 4.6 2014
* 4.7 2012
* 4.8 2010
* 4.9 2008
* 4.10 2006
* 4.11 2004
* 4.12 2002
* 4.13 2000
* 4.14 Vacancies
* 5 District map
* 6 Redistricting
* 6.1 2020
* 6.1.1 District map after 2020 redistricting
* 6.2 2010
* 7 Sessions
* 7.1 Legislation
* 7.2 Dates of legislative sessions in Hawaii by year
* 7.3 2022
* 7.4 2021
* 7.5 2020
* 7.5.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 7.6 2019
* 7.7 2018
* 7.8 2017
* 7.8.1 Special session over rail project funding
* 7.9 2016
* 7.10 2015
* 7.10.1 Major issues in 2015
* 7.11 2014
* 7.11.1 Major issues in 2014
* 7.12 2013
* 7.12.1 Major issues in 2013
* 7.13 2012
* 7.13.1 Major issues in 2012
* 7.14 2011
* 7.15 2010
* 7.16 About legislative sessions in Hawaii
* 8 Legislative roles and procedures
* 8.1 Veto overrides
* 8.2 Role in state budget
* 9 Committees
* 10 Constitutional amendments
* 11 See also
* 12 Footnotes

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Hawaii House of Representatives as of October 2022:

Party  | As of October 2022

|

| Democratic Party | 47
| Republican Party | 4
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  51

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body. Duties of the speaker include preserving order and decorum and appointing all committee and subcommittee members.[6]

### Current leadership and members[edit]

* Speaker of the House: Scott Saiki (D)
* Majority leader: Della Au Belatti (D)
* Minority leader: Val Okimoto (R)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

|
|
|

Hawaii House of Representatives District 1 | Mark Nakashima | Democratic  | 2008
Hawaii House of Representatives District 2 | Chris Todd | Democratic  | January 5, 2017
Hawaii House of Representatives District 3 | Richard Onishi | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 4 | Greggor Ilagan | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 5 | Jeanne Kapela | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 6 | Nicole Lowen | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 7 | David Tarnas | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 8 | Troy Hashimoto | Democratic  | April 18, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 9 | Justin Woodson | Democratic  | January 15, 2013
Hawaii House of Representatives District 10 | Angus McKelvey | Democratic  | 2006
Hawaii House of Representatives District 11 | Tina Wildberger | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 12 | Kyle Yamashita | Democratic  | 2004
Hawaii House of Representatives District 13 | Linda Ann Ha'i Clark | Democratic  | July 23, 2021
Hawaii House of Representatives District 14 | Nadine Nakamura | Democratic  | November 8, 2016
Hawaii House of Representatives District 15 | James Tokioka | Democratic  | 2006
Hawaii House of Representatives District 16 | Dee Morikawa | Democratic  | November 2, 2010
Hawaii House of Representatives District 17 | Gene Ward | Republican  | 2006
Hawaii House of Representatives District 18 | Mark Hashem | Democratic  | November 2, 2010
Hawaii House of Representatives District 19 | Bert Kobayashi | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 20 | Jackson Sayama | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 21 | Scott Nishimoto | Democratic  | 2002
Hawaii House of Representatives District 22 | Adrian Tam | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 23 | Dale Kobayashi | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 | Della Au Belatti | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 25 | Sylvia Luke | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 26 | Scott Saiki | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 27 | Takashi Ohno | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 28 | John Mizuno | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 29 | Daniel Holt | Democratic  | November 8, 2016
Hawaii House of Representatives District 30 | Ernesto Ganaden | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 31 | Aaron Johanson | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 32 | Linda Ichiyama | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 33 | Sam Kong | Democratic  | November 4, 2014
Hawaii House of Representatives District 34 | Gregg Takayama | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 35 | Roy Takumi | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 36 | Val Aquino Okimoto | Republican  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 37 | Ryan Yamane | Democratic  | 2004
Hawaii House of Representatives District 38 | Henry Aquino | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 39 | Luella Costales | Democratic  | March 9, 2022
Hawaii House of Representatives District 40 | Bob McDermott | Republican  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 41 | Matt LoPresti | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 42 | Sharon Har | Democratic  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 43 | Stacelynn Kehaulani Eli | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 44 | Cedric Asuega Gates | Democratic  | November 8, 2016
Hawaii House of Representatives District 45 | Lauren Cheape Matsumoto | Republican  | November 6, 2012
Hawaii House of Representatives District 46 | Amy Perruso | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 47 | Sean Quinlan | Democratic  | November 8, 2016
Hawaii House of Representatives District 48 | Lisa Kitagawa | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 49 | Scot Matayoshi | Democratic  | November 6, 2018
Hawaii House of Representatives District 50 | Patrick Branco | Democratic  | November 3, 2020
Hawaii House of Representatives District 51 | Lisa Marten | Democratic  | November 3, 2020

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$62,604/year| For legislators who do not reside on Oahu: $225/day. For legislators living on Oahu during the mandatory five-day recess only: $10/day. Legislators who do not reside on Oahu are reimbursed for air travel costs.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Hawaii legislators assume office on the day they are elected in the general election.[7]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

From Article III, Section 7 of the Hawaii Constitution: "No person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the house of representatives unless the person has been a resident of the State for not less than three years, has attained the age of majority and is, prior to filing nomination papers and thereafter continues to be, a qualified voter of the representative district from which the person seeks to be elected; except that in the year of the first general election following reapportionment, but prior to the primary election, an incumbent representative may move to a new district without being disqualified from completing the remainder of the incumbent representative's term."

## Historical party control[edit]

From 1992 to 2020, the Hawaii House of Representatives was controlled by the Democratic Party, as it has been since Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959. The table below shows the partisan history of the Hawaii House of Representatives following every general election from 1992 to 2020. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Hawaii House of Representatives election results: 1992-2020

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Democrats | 47 | 44 | 39 | 39 | 32 | 36 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 43 | 44 | 43 | 45 | 46 | 47
Republicans | 4 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4

Since Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959 through 2020, Democrats controlled the state House following every election. From at least 1958 to 2020, Republicans never held more than 20 seats in the chamber.

The elections in the late 1980s and 1990s went strongly in favor of Democrats, leaving Republicans with just four seats following the 1992 elections. They made some gains in the elections that followed, working their way to 19 seats by 2000. This was the highest number of seats they had held since the chamber first started holding elections in 1958. However, Republicans lost seats in the two elections that followed, dropping them to 10 seats. The next several cycles brought Republicans to eight seats after the 2006 elections.

The Democratic majority was stable in the elections from 2010 to 2014, despite a national trend toward Republicans during that time. Republicans held no more than eight seats in the state House during that period. Following the 2016 elections, Democrats held a 45-6 majority. Their numbers were bolstered when Beth Fukumoto changed her party registration from Republican to Democratic in 2017, giving them 46 seats in the chamber—the number they held through 2018. In 2020, Democrats increased their majority to 47-4.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2021, Hawaii was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: 1992-2002, 2011-2021
* Republican trifecta: None
* Divided government: 2003-2010

Hawaii Party Control: 1992-2022
Twenty-three years of Democratic trifectas • No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Governor | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
House | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Hawaii state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Hawaii holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2022[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2022

Elections for the Hawaii House of Representatives will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 13, 2022. The filing deadline was June 7, 2022.

### 2020[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 8, 2020. The filing deadline was June 2, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 46-5 to 47-4.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 46 | 47
| Republican Party | 5  | 4
Total |  51 |  51

### 2018[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2018

Elections for the Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on August 11, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was June 5, 2018.[8]

In the 2018 elections, there was no change in the partisan balance of the Hawaii House of Representatives.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 46 | 46
| Republican Party | 5  | 5
Total |  51 |  51

### 2016[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 13, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 7, 2016. All 51 seats in the Hawaii House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 44-7 majority. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 45-6 majority.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 44 | 45
| Republican Party | 7  | 6
Total |  51 |  51
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for the Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 9, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 3, 2014. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2014.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 44-7 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 43-8 majority.

| Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 44 | 43
| Republican Party | 7  | 8
Total |  51 |  51

### 2012[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 11, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was July 12, 2012. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2012.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 42-8 majority with one vacancy. Democrats gained two seats in the election, giving them a 44-7 majority.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 42 | 44
| Republican Party | 8  | 7
| Vacancy  | 1  | 0
Total |  51 |  51

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Hawaii House of Representatives

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 45 |  Lauren Kealohilani Matsumoto | 1.7% | 5,166 | Jake Bradshaw
District 46 |  Marcus Oshiro | 1.7% | 5,166 | Christopher Murphy
District 40 |  Bob McDermott | 2.2% | 6,356 | Chris Kalani Manabat
District 36 |  Beth Fukumoto | 4.9% | 10,172 | Marilyn Lee
District 27 |  Takashi Ohno | 15.1% | 8,416 | Corinne Ching
District 47 |  Richard Fale | 16.1% | 7,544 | D. Ululani Beirne
District 18 |  Mark Hashem | 21.7% | 12,016 | Jeremy Low
District 26 |  Scott Saiki | 21.7% | 6,841 | Tiffany Au
District 41 |  Rida Cabanilla Arakawa | 22.7% | 7,060 | Adam Reeder
District 3 |  Richard Onishi | 24.4% | 8,629 | Marlene Nachbar Hapai

### 2010[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 18, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was July 20, 2010. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2010.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 45-6 majority. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 43-8 majority.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 45 | 43
| Republican Party | 6  | 8
Total |  51 |  51

In 2010, the total amount of contributions raised in House campaigns was $3,066,163. The top donors were:[9]

2010 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Hawaii Association of Realtors | $81,950
Hapai, Marlene  | $30,613
Hawaii State Teachers Association | $27,600
Hawaii Carpenters and Joiners  | $25,500
Hawaii Republican Party  | $24,525
Electrical Workers Local 1186  | $24,500
Hawaii Medical Service Association  | $24,300
Radcliffe, John H  | $22,350
Operating Engineers Local 3  | $22,250
Linda Lingle Campaign Cmte  | $22,000

### 2008[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 20, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $3,138,933. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2008 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Hawaii Association of Realtors  | $86,300
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly  | $52,000
Choy, Isaac W  | $50,000
Hawaii State Teachers Association  | $45,400
Kawananakoa, Quentin Kuhio  | $45,000
Hawaii Carpenters Local 745  | $35,300
Hawaii Operating Engineers  | $34,734
Kawananakoa, Quentin  | $33,242
Neil Abercrombie for Congress  | $33,000
Parayno, Ilalo B  | $32,157

### 2006[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 23, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $3,307,255. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2006 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly  | $93,250
Hawaii Association of Realtors  | $54,900
Hawaii State Teachers Association  | $37,025
Cassiday Jr, Paul  | $34,000
Hawaii Republican Party  | $33,359
Steelquist, John A  | $33,107
Longshore & Warehouse Local 142  | $30,517
Alameida, Jeffrey K & Debbie  | $29,807
Hawaii Carpenters Local 745  | $29,400
Ironworkers Local 625  | $27,700

### 2004[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 18, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $3,772,936. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2004 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly  | $65,250
Hawaii Association of Realtors  | $59,500
Castle & Cooke  | $42,550
Outrigger Enterprises  | $38,319
Chevrontexaco  | $38,250
Longshore & Warehouse Local 142  | $38,116
Wong, Susan  | $31,703
Altria  | $29,000
Hawaii Optometric Association  | $27,250
GOP House PAC of Hawaii  | $25,700

### 2002[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 21, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,361,287. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

2002 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly  | $32,853
Hawaii Association of Realtors  | $25,790
Outrigger Enterprises  | $25,400
Tesoro Corp  | $21,250
Ching, Corinne Wei Lan  | $18,000
Longshore & Warehouse Local 142  | $16,800
Hawaii Insurers Council  | $13,000
Hawaii State Teachers Association  | $10,700
Philip Morris  | $10,500
Hawaii Laborers  | $10,500

### 2000[edit]

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Hawaii House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 23, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 51 House seats were up for election in 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,960,173. The top 10 contributors were:[14]

2000 Donors, Hawaii House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Case, Audrey  | $25,00
Hawaii Association of Realtors  | $23,100
Case, Ed  | $20,000
Republican National State Elections Cmte  | $18,000
Philip Morris  | $17,885
Hawaii State Teachers Association  | $16,820
Alexander & Baldwin  | $16,550
Jaffe, Melinda S  | $13,609
AT&T  | $13,100
Hawaii Insurers Council  | $13,000

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Hawaii State Legislature, the governor is responsible for appointing a replacement. For all vacancies, the governor must appoint a replacement within 60 days after the vacancy happens. The candidate is selected from a list of three prospective candidates submitted by the political party that last held the vacant seat. The party has thirty days after the vacancy to submit a list of prospective candidates. If the person leaving the seat is an independent (no party affiliation), the governor must select a resident from the vacant district that is not a member of any political party.[15][16]

See sources: Hawaii Const. Art. 3, Sec. 5, Hawaii Rev. Stat., §17-3, and Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 17-4

## District map[edit]

See also: Hawaii state legislative districts

The state of Hawaii has 51 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

The map below shows this district's current boundaries, not those enacted as part of the 2020 redistricting cycle.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Hawaii

In Hawaii, a nine-member commission draws both congressional and state legislative district lines. The majority and minority leaders of the Hawaii State Senate and Hawaii House of Representatives each select two members. These eight members then select a ninth tie-breaking commissioner. If the commission is unable to reach an agreement on a ninth member, the Hawaii Supreme Court must make the appointment.[17]

Both congressional and state legislative district boundaries must be contiguous and compact. In addition, where possible, district lines "must follow permanent and easily recognized features ... and coincide with census tracts." In addition, "districts must also avoid submerging one area in another with substantially different predominant socioeconomic interests." No district can be drawn "to unduly favor a person or political faction."[17]

State law permits state legislative districts to be multimember, but a maximum of four representatives can be elected from a single district.[17]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Hawaii after the 2020 census

#### District map after 2020 redistricting[edit]

This map takes effect for Hawaii's 2022 legislative elections.

* Hawaii
*   * Maui
*   * Kauai
*   * Oahu

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Hawaii after the 2010 census

Hawaii received its local census data on February 22, 2011, and on June 28, 2011, the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission voted 8-1 to include non-resident students and military personnel in redistricting calculations. The Commission released its redistricting plans on August 3, 2011. On September 19, 2011, the Commission voted to exclude about 16,000 military and non-residents in the state from reapportionment calculations, partially reversing their earlier decision. On September 26, 2011, the Commission gave final approval to the state's redistricting plan. The Hawaii Supreme Court, however, ruled on January 4, 2012, that non-residents could not be considered in reapportionment and ordered the Reapportionment Commission to redraw the maps. On March 8, 2012, the Commission approved new legislative districts for the state.[18][19]

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Hawaii House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Hawaii by year[edit]

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Hawaii legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2022, and adjourn on May 5, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Hawaii legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 20, 2021, and adjourn on April 29, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Hawaii legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 15, 2020, and adjourn on July 10, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit

Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Hawaii State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 17, 2020, through May 11, 2020. The legislature adjourned on July 10, 2020.[20][21]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Hawaii legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2019, through May 2, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Hawaii legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 17, 2018, through May 3, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 18, 2017, through May 4, 2017. The legislature held its first special session from August 28, 2017, to September 1, 2017. The legislature held its second special session from September 25 to September 26. The legislature held its third special session on November 14.

#### Special session over rail project funding[edit]

* On September 1, 2017, members of the Hawaii House of Representatives voted in favor of SB4, which aimed to fill a funding shortfall for Honolulu’s rail project. The bill made it through the state Senate on a 16-9 vote on August 30, 2017. Governor David Ige (D) signed SB4 on September 5, 2017.

* In early May, Hawaii lawmakers ended their regularly-scheduled session without reaching a deal on how to fund the rest of the project. The project was budgeted for $6.8 billion but later estimates put the cost at around $10 billion. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was set to provide $1.55 billion for the project. Lawmakers had a September 15 deadline to submit a financial plan to finish the rail project.

* Senate and House leaders outlined their plan for the $2.378 billion funding shortfall package on August 24. During the special session, lawmakers considered a bill that will extend a 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge on Oahu for three additional years from 2027 to 2030. The bill would also increase Hawaii’s hotel room tax from 9.25 percent to 10.25 percent through 2030. The five-day special session was expected to cost about $27,000.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 20 through May 5. The legislature held a special session from July 12 to July 20.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 21 through May 7. The legislature convened a two-day special session on November 5 over judicial nominees.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the general excise tax, medical marijuana, and homelessness.[22]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 15 through May 2.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included GMO labeling, raising the minimum wage, clean energy, and climate change.[23]

A budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year was passed through HB1700. The budget provided $6.189 billion in general funds and $12.147 billion in all means of financing. Sylvia Luke (D), Chairman of the House Finance Committee described the budget as measured and prudent.[24]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 16 to May 3.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included revenue, hotel room tax, GET increase, education funding, and renewable energy tax credits.[25]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 18 to May 3.

#### Major issues in 2012[edit]

The legislature focused on job creation, creating a sustainable economy, sustainable and renewable energy, improving the state's information technology infrastructure, and education funding.[26]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 19 through May 5.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 20th to April 29th.

### About legislative sessions in Hawaii[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[27] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article III of the Hawaii Constitution establishes when the Hawaii State Legislature, which the House of Representatives is a part of, is to be in session. Section 10 of Article III states that the Legislature shall convene in regular session on the third Wednesday in January of every year. Regular sessions are limited to sixty legislative days, but they can be extended by fifteen days by the Governor of Hawaii or by the request of two-thirds of each legislative house. Section 10 mandates that the Legislature take a mandatory recess of at least five days during each regular session.

Section 10 also contains provisions regarding special sessions of the Legislature. Special sessions can involve both houses of the Legislature or the Senate alone. Special sessions can be convened by the Governor of Hawaii or by two-thirds of the house or houses seeking to convene. Special sessions are limited in length. They are not to last more than thirty legislative days, but they, like regular sessions, can be extended for fifteen days.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Hawaii are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 34 of the 51 members in the Hawaii House of Representatives and 17 of the 25 members in the Hawaii State Senate. Hawaii is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

According to Article III, Section 16 of the Hawaii Constitution, the legislature may convene itself in special session at the end of the governor's bill signing period to consider veto overrides. Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[28]

Authority: Article III, Section 17 of the Hawaii Constitution.

"Upon the receipt of a veto message from the governor, each house shall enter the same at large upon its journal and proceed to reconsider the vetoed bill, or the item or items vetoed, and again vote upon such bill, or such item or items, by ayes and noes, which shall be entered upon its journal. If after such reconsideration such bill, or such item or items, shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of all members to which each house is entitled, the same shall become law."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Hawaii state budget and finances
Hawaii on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

Hawaii operates on a biennial budget cycle, with each biennium beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[29]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies between July and August of the year preceding the start of the new biennium.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September.
3. Agency hearings are held in November.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in December.
5. In April or May, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Hawaii is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[29]

The governor is statutorily and constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. Though the legislature is not required to pass a balanced budget, the budget must be balanced for the governor to sign it into law.[29]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Hawaii state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Hawaii House of Representatives has 18 standing committees:

* Agriculture Committee
* Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee
* Corrections, Military, & Veterans Committee
* Culture, Arts, & International Affairs Committee
* Economic Development Committee
* Energy & Environmental Protection Committee
* Finance Committee
* Government Reform Committee
* Health, Human Services, & Homelessness Committee
* Higher Education & Technology Committee
* House Education Committee
* House Housing Committee
* House Transportation Committee
* Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee
* Labor & Tourism Committee
* Legislative Management Committee
* Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness Committee
* Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Hawaii Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XVII of the Hawaii Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Hawaii
Hawaii Constitution

Preamble
Articles
I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII • VIII • IX • X • XI • XII • XIII • XIV • XV • XVI • XVII • XVIII

According to Article XVII of the Hawaii Constitution, constitutional conventions and legislatively referred constitutional amendments are the two methods by which the state's constitution can be revised or amended.

* The Hawaii State Legislature can propose a legislatively referred constitutional amendment under these conditions:

* Through a two-thirds vote in both the Hawaii State Senate and the Hawaii House of Representatives held in one legislative session;
* Through two simple majority votes in both chambers held in two successive sessions of the legislature.
* Any such proposed amendments must then be placed on a statewide ballot, where they can be approved under the following conditions:

* If approved by a majority of all the votes tallied upon the question if this majority constitutes at least 50 percent of the total vote cast at the election; or
* If approved at a special election by a majority of all the votes tallied upon the question, if this majority consists of at least 30 percent of the total number of registered voters in the state at that time.

* A constitutional convention can be held under these conditions:

* If the Hawaii State Legislature puts the question, "Shall there be a convention to propose a revision of or amendments to the Constitution?" on the ballot, and it is approved.
* If the legislature does not act to place such a question on the ballot, the question is automatically referred to the ballot every 10 years.

Hawaii does not feature the power of citizen initiative for either initiated constitutional amendments or initiated state statutes.

2023 measures:

See also: 2023 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

2022 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2022 ballot by the legislature.

See also: Hawaii 2022 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Hawaii State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

|
|
|

* Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2022
* Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2020
* Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2018

* Hawaii State Legislature
* Hawaii State Senate
* Governor of Hawaii
* Hawaii Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2022
* State legislative elections, 2021
* State legislative elections, 2020
* State legislative elections, 2019
* State legislative elections, 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 This date reflects the regularly-scheduled date and does not reflect any change made as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on changes to state legislative sessions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, click here.
2. ↑ State of Hawaii, "Regular Meeting of the Reapportionment Commission - January 28, 2022," accessed February 4, 2022
3. ↑ Patch.com, "The Plan To Redraw Hawaii's Political Lines Goes Out For Public Comment," Oct. 29, 2021
4. ↑ Honolulu Civil Beat, "The Big Island Is Set To Gain A House Seat As Reapportionment Restarts," Jan. 6, 2021
5. ↑ Office of Elections, "Reapportionment Commission," accessed Oct. 20, 2021
6. ↑ Legislative Reference Bureau, "Article III," accessed February 12, 2021
7. ↑ Legislative Reference Bureau, "Hawaii Constitution, Article III, Section 4," accessed November 1, 2021
8. ↑ Hawaii Office of Elections, "Calendar," accessed August 2, 2017
9. ↑ Follow the Money: "Hawaii House 2010 Campaign Contributions"
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Hawaii 2008 Candidates," accessed July 17, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Hawaii 2006 Candidates," accessed July 17, 2013
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Hawaii 2004 Candidates," accessed July 17, 2013
13. ↑ Follow the Money, "Hawaii 2002 Candidates," accessed July 17, 2013
14. ↑ Follow the Money, "Hawaii 2000 Candidates," accessed July 17, 2013
15. ↑ Hawaii Legislature, "Hawaii Revised Statutes," accessed May 22, 2014 (Statute 17-3(a) (1)-(2))
16. ↑ Hawaii Legislature, "Hawaii Revised Statutes," accessed May 22, 2014 (Statute 17-4(a)-(b))
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 All About Redistricting, "Hawaii," accessed April 29, 2015
18. ↑ Civil Beat, "Hawaii Reapportionment Challenge Will Get Day in Court," April 10, 2012
19. ↑ Honolulu Civil Beat, "Elections on Track as Court Rules Against Hawaii Redistricting Suit," May 22, 2012
20. ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "SCR242," accessed March 18, 2020
21. ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "Recent updates," accessed May 11, 2020
22. ↑ KHON, "Lawmakers eye taxes, medical marijuana for next legislative session," January 19, 2015
23. ↑ civilbeat.com, "Legislative Preview 2014: Will Lawmakers Play It Safe in an Election Year?" January 14, 2014
24. ↑ hawaii247.comm "Legislature passes state 2014-2015 budget," April 29, 2014
25. ↑ Hawaii News Now, " Lawmakers set stage for legislative session," January 15, 2013
26. ↑ Hawaii Reporter, "Hawaii State Senate Majority Caucus Sets its Priorities for the 2012 Legislative Session," January 17, 2012
27. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
28. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021

v • e

State legislatures

Legislatures|

Alabama (H, S) · Alaska (H, S) · Arizona (H, S) · Arkansas (H, S) · California (A, S) · Colorado (H, S) · Connecticut (H, S) · Delaware (H, S) · Florida (H, S) · Georgia (H, S) · Hawaii (H, S) · Idaho (H, S) · Illinois (H, S) · Indiana (H, S) · Iowa (H, S) · Kansas (H, S) · Kentucky (H, S) · Louisiana (H, S) · Maine (H, S) · Maryland (H, S) · Massachusetts (H, S) · Michigan (H, S) · Minnesota (H, S) · Mississippi (H, S) · Missouri (H, S) · Montana (H, S) · Nebraska · Nevada (A, S) · New Hampshire (H, S) · New Jersey (GA, S) · New Mexico (H, S) · New York (A, S) · North Carolina (H, S) · North Dakota (H, S) · Ohio (H, S) · Oklahoma (H, S) · Oregon (H, S) · Pennsylvania (H, S) · Rhode Island (H, S) · South Carolina (H, S) · South Dakota (H, S) · Tennessee (H, S) · Texas (H, S) · Utah (H, S) · Vermont (H, S) · Virginia (H, S) · Washington (H, S) · West Virginia (H, S) · Wisconsin (A, S) · Wyoming (H, S)

* * *

2022|

State legislative elections (2022) • State legislative special elections (2022) • Primary dates and filing requirements • 2022 Session Dates

* * *

2021|

State legislative elections (2021) • State legislative special elections (2021) • Primary dates and filing requirements • 2021 Session Dates

* * *

Historical elections|

2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003 • 2002 • 2001 • 2000

* * *

Features of
state legislatures|

How vacancies are filled in state legislatures • States with a full-time legislature • State legislatures with term limits • Comparison of state legislative salaries • When state legislators assume office after a general election • Population represented by state legislators • State constitutional articles governing state legislatures • State legislative sessions • Resign-to-run law • State legislature candidate requirements by state • Official names of state legislatures • State legislative chambers that use multi-member districts • Factors Affecting Competitiveness in State Legislative Elections

* * *

State senates|

Length of terms of state senators • State senators • Partisan composition of state senates • State senators sorted by year first elected

* * *

State houses|

Length of terms of state representatives • State representatives • Partisan composition of state houses • State representatives sorted by year first elected

* * *

Leadership positions|

President of the Senate • President Pro Tempore • Senate Majority Leader • Senate Minority Leader • House Majority Leader • House Minority Leader • State Speaker of the House

v • e

Ballotpedia

About|

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

* * *

Executive: Leslie Graves, President • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy

Communications: Alison Graves • Abigail Campbell • Sarah Groat • Lauren Nemerovski
External Relations: Alison Prange • Moira Delaney • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski • Mandy Morris• Kelly Rindfleisch
Policy: Christopher Nelson • Caitlin Styrsky • Molly Byrne • Katharine Frey • Jimmy McAllister • Samuel Postell
Research: Josh Altic, Managing Editor
Tech: Matt Latourelle • Nathan Bingham • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Joseph Sanchez

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

* * *

Editorial|

Geoff Pallay, Editor-in-Chief • Daniel Anderson, Managing Editor • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor • Cory Eucalitto, Managing Editor • Mandy Gillip, Managing Editor • Jerrick Adams • Victoria Antram • Dave Beaudoin • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Kate Carsella • Kelly Coyle • Megan Feeney • Nicole Fisher • Juan García de Paredes • Sara Horton • Tyler King • Doug Kronaizl • Amee LaTour • David Luchs • Roneka Matheny • Andrew McNair • Jackie Mitchell • Elisabeth Moore • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Samantha Post • Paul Rader • Ethan Rice • Myj Saintyl • Maddie Sinclair Johnson • Abbey Smith • Janie Valentine • Caitlin Vanden Boom • Joel Williams • Samuel Wonacott • Mercedes Yanora

v • e

State of Hawaii
Honolulu (capital)

|

Elections |

What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2022 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

Government |

Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy