Hawaii State Senate
General Information
Party control:	Democrat
Session start:	January 21, 2026
Session end:	May 8, 2026
Term length:	2-4-4 year system
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Commission
Salary:	$60,180/year + per diem
Members
Total:	25
Democrats:	22
Republicans:	3
Other:	0
Vacancies:	0
Leadership
President:	Ronald Kouchi (D)
Maj. Leader:	Dru Kanuha (D)
Min. Leader:	Brenton Awa (R)
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 3, 2026

TheHawaii State Senate is theupper chamber of theHawaii State Legislature. Alongside theHawaii House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Hawaii state government and works alongside thegovernor of Hawaii to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Hawaii State Senate 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 State Senate meets in the state capitol building inHonolulu, Hawaii.

This page contains the following information on the Hawaii State Senate.

• Which partycontrols the chamber
• The chamber'scurrent membership
• Partisan control of the chamberover time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• Adistrict map
• Howredistricting works in the state
• Legislation currently under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list ofcommittees

Party control

Current partisan control

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Hawaii State Senate as of February 2026:

Members

Leadership

The president and vice president of the Senate are elected by a majority vote of the members of the Senate. The president serves as the presiding officer, whose duties include opening meetings, maintaining order in the Senate, appointing all members of committees, and establishing final dates for action on legislation.

The vice president, along with the president, prepares and administers a budget for the Senate. In the absence of the president, the vice president assumes all duties of the position.^[1]

Leadership and members

• Senate president:Ronald Kouchi (D)
• Majority leader:Dru Kanuha (D)
• Minority leader:Brenton Awa (R)

Salaries

See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries

Swearing in dates

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.^[3]

Membership qualifications

See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

FromArticle III, Section 6 of theHawaii Constitution: "No person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the senate 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 senatorial 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 senator may move to a new district without being disqualified from completing the remainder of the incumbent senator’s term."^[4]

Historical party control

Democrats won control of the Hawaii State Senate in 1962. In2024, they won a 22-3 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Hawaii Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Before 1992

Republicans controlled the Hawaii Senate from 1959 to 1962, the year Democrats gained control of the chamber.

Trifecta history

Astate 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 2023, Hawaii was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: 1992-2002, 2011-2023
• Republican trifecta: None
• Divided government: 2003-2010

Elections

Elections by year

Hawaii state senators serve2-4-4 terms, where senators serve one two-year term and two four-year terms each decade. Hawaii holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2026

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for theHawaii State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isAugust 8, 2026. The filing deadline isJune 2, 2026.

2024

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for theHawaii State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasAugust 10, 2024. The filing deadline wasJune 4, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, the Democratic majority in the Hawaii State Senate decreased from 23-2 to 22-3.

2022

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for theHawaii State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 13, 2022. The filing deadline was June 7, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, the Democratic majority in the Hawaii State Senate was reduced from 24-1 to 23-2.

2020

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office ofHawaii State Senate 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 maintained their 24-1 majority in the Hawaii State Senate.

2018

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for theHawaii State Senate took place in 2018. Anopen primary election took place on August 11, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasJune 5, 2018.^[5]

In the 2018 elections, the Democratic majority in the Hawaii State Senate was reduced from 25-0 to 24-1.

2016

See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for theHawaii State Senate 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. A total of14 seats out of the 25 seats in theHawaii State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 24-1 majority. Democrats ousted the lone Republican incumbent, resulting in a chamber represented entirely by Democrats.

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2014 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2014 Elections for theHawaii State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 9, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 3, 2014. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 24-1 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election. Hawaii State Senate Party As of November 3, 2014 After November 4, 2014      Democratic Party 24 24      Republican Party 1 1 Total 25 25 2012 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2012 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 11, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 5, 2012. A total of 25 seats were up for election. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 24-1 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election. Hawaii State Senate Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 24 24      Republican Party 1 1 Total 25 25 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 State Senate District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 23 Clayton Hee 6.9% 13,035 Colleen Meyer District 25 Laura Thielen 19% 23,036 Fred Hemmings District 9 Samuel Slom 20.3% 24,822 Kurt Lajala District 12 Brickwood Galuteria 29.6% 14,097 Liz Larson District 4 Malama Solomon 33.2% 14,762 Kelly Greenwell District 20 Mike Gabbard 43.8% 13,049 Dean Kalani Capelouto District 18 Michelle Kidani 44.5% 20,091 Rojo Herrera District 6 Rosalyn Baker 45% 13,525 Bart Mulvihill District 22 Donovan Dela Cruz 47.1% 14,133 Charles Aki District 21 Maile Shimabukuro 53.5% 10,337 Dickyj Johnson 2010 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2010 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 18, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was July 20, 2010. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 23-2 majority. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 24-1 majority. Hawaii State Senate Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election      Democratic Party 23 24      Republican Party 2 1 Total 25 25 Campaign contributions This chart shows how many candidates ran for state senate in Hawaii in past years and the cumulative amount of campaign contributions in state senate races, including contributions in both primary and general election contests. All figures come fromFollow The Money.[6] Year Number of candidates Total contributions 2010 46 $1,586,733 2008 26 $2,020,962 2006 28 $1,237,247 2004 25 $1,646,425 2002 59 $1,635,442 In 2010, the total amount of contributions raised in state Senate elections was $1,586,733. The top 10 donors were:[7] 2010 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Hawaii Association of Realtors $44,100 Ironworkers Local 625 $34,050 Hawaii State Teachers Association $32,420 Hawaii Operating Engineers $18,222 Hawaii Carpenters & Joiners $16,800 Plumbers & Pipefitters $16,000 Operating Engineers Local 3 $16,000 Painters Local 1791 $13,450 Monsanto $12,000 Longshore & Warehouse Local 142 $11,950 2008 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2008 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 20, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,323,064. The top 10 contributors were:[8] 2008 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Hawaii Association of Realtors $45,700 United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada $44,000 Hawaii Carpenters Local 745 $32,750 Hawaii State Teachers Association $32,000 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly $28,615 Ironworkers Local 625 $27,850 Hawaii Operating Engineers $27,350 Electrical Workers Local 1186 $22,800 Outrigger Enterprises $20,400 Longshore & Warehouse Local 142 $19,225 2006 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2006 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 23, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,544,932. The top 10 contributors were:[9] 2006 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Fong, Robert (Bob) $61,868 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly $52,700 Smith, Paul E $31,396 Hawaii Association of Realtors $28,600 Yee, Randall M L $25,968 Pico Jr, Thomas M $23,986 Island Insurance Co $23,550 Altria $23,000 United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada $18,000 Lockwood, Frank T $15,520 2004 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2004 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 21, 2004, and a general election on November 5, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,937,353. The top 10 contributors were:[10] 2004 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Trimble, Robert A $40,000 Fox, Steven $36,025 Aduja, Peter A $31,569 Kawamoto, Cal $30,700 Altria $26,000 Trimble, Gordon $25,250 Hawaii Association of Realtors $25,050 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly $24,000 Aduja, Melodie $23,480 Pacific Northwest Ltd $19,500 2002 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2002 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 23, 2002, and a general election on November 7, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,635,442. The top 10 contributors were:[11] 2002 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Trimble, Gordon M $77,020 Aduja, Peter $69,700 Trimble, Robert A $42,500 Fukunaga, Carol $41,102 Hawaii Association of Realtors $21,150 Hawaii State Teachers Association $20,687 Outrigger Enterprises $17,900 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly $16,084 Plumbers & Pipefitters $15,250 Ironworkers Local 625 $14,500 2000 See also:Hawaii State Senate elections, 2000 Elections for the office of Hawaii State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 20, 2000, and a general election on November 4, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $566,764. The top 10 contributors were:[12] 2000 Donors, Hawaii State Senate Donor Amount Hawaii Insurers Council $6,000 Hawaii Association of Realtors $5,200 Outrigger Enterprises $5,150 Mccorriston Miho Miller Mukai & Mackinnon $5,000 Hawaii Medical Association $4,800 AT&T $4,550 Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas Inc $4,350 Anheuser-Busch $4,080 Paramount Hotels Llc $4,000 First Insurance Co of Hawaii $4,000

Vacancies

See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in theHawaii State Legislature for a term that ends at the next general election, thegovernor is responsible for appointing a replacement. 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.^[13][14]

In the event of a vacancy for a term that does not end at the next general election, the vacancy shall be filled by a special election at the next general election or by appointment. If the vacancy occurs no later than the 10th day before the close of filing for the next succeeding primary election, the unexpired term will be filled during the subsequent general election. If the vacancy occurs after the 60th day before the next succeeding primary but no later than the 50th day before the next succeeding general election, the unexpired term will be filled during the subsequent general election. The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation of the special election. If the vacancy occurs after the fiftieth day before the next succeeding general election, the governor is required to make an appointment to fill the unexpired term. The appointee will be selected from a list of three prospective candidates submitted by the political party that last held the vacant seat.^[13]

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

District map

See also:Hawaii state legislative districts

The state of Hawaii has 25 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting

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 theHawaii State Senate andHawaii 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, theHawaii Supreme Court must make the appointment.^[15]

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."^[15]

State law permits state legislative districts to be multimember, but a maximum of four representatives can be elected from a single district.^[15]

2020

See also:Redistricting in Hawaii after the 2020 census

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission approved new legislative district maps on January 28, 2022.^[16] 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.^[17] 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.^[18][19] This map took effect for Hawaii's 2022 state legislative elections.

District map after 2020 redistricting

Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

2010

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.^[20][21]

Sessions

Legislation

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Hawaii State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House 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 byBillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in Hawaii by year

2025

See also:2025 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 15, 2025, and adjourn on May 2, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024 See also:2024 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2024, and adjourn on May 3, 2024. 2023 See also:2023 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2023, and adjourn on May 4, 2023. 2022 See also:2022 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2022, and adjourn on May 5, 2022. 2021 See also:2021 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 20, 2021, and adjourn on April 29, 2021. 2020 See also:2020 Hawaii legislative session andDates 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 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. TheHawaii State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 17, 2020, through May 11, 2020. The legislature adjourned on July 10, 2020.[22][23] 2019 See also:2019 Hawaii legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2019, through May 2, 2019. 2018 See also:2018 Hawaii legislative session andDates 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, clickhere. 2017 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 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. GovernorDavid 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 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 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 Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the general excise tax, medical marijuana, and homelessness.[24] 2014 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 Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included GMO labeling, raising the minimum wage, clean energy, and climate change.[25] 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 theHouse Finance Committee described the budget as measured and prudent.[26] 2013 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 Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included revenue, hotel room tax, GET increase, education funding, and renewable energy tax credits.[27] 2012 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 The legislature focused on job creation, creating a sustainable economy, sustainable and renewable energy, improving the state's information technology infrastructure, and education funding.[28] 2011 See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 19 through May 5. 2010 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

TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[29] 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 theHawaii State Legislature, which the Senate 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 theGovernor 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 theGovernor 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

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 includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

Veto overrides

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.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Authority:Article III, Section 17 of theHawaii Constitution.

Role in state budget

See also:Hawaii state budget and finances

Hawaiion

Check outBallotpedia 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 on July 1. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:^[31]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies betweenJuly andAugust of the year preceding the start of the new biennium.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor bySeptember.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature inDecember.
4. InApril orMay, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Hawaii is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.^[31][32]

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.^[31]

Committees

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 State Senate has 16 standing committees:

Constitutional amendments

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

The methods in which the Hawaii Constitution can be amended:

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

TheHawaii Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. Hawaii requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

Legislature

See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

Atwo-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session or a simple majority vote in two successive legislative sessions for theHawaii State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 35 votes in theHawaii House of Representatives and 17 votes in theHawaii State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Convention

See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According toSection 2 of Article XVII of theHawaii Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is toautomatically appear on the state's ballot after a period of nine years. Hawaii is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.

The table below shows the last and next constitutional convention question election years:

Historical context:A total of62 measures appeared on statewide ballots in Hawaii from 1985 to 2020.

• From 1985 to 2022, the number of measures on statewide ballots ranged from zero to eight.
• From 1985 to 2020, an average of 3.26 measures appeared on the ballot in Hawaii during even-numbered election years. The median number of measures was three.
• From 1985 to 2020, 70.97% (44 of 62) of the total number of measures that appeared on statewide ballots during even-numbered years were approved, and 29.03% (18 of 62) were defeated.

See also

Elections	Hawaii State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
Hawaii State Senate elections, 2026 Hawaii State Senate elections, 2024 Hawaii State Senate elections, 2022 Hawaii State Senate elections, 2020 Hawaii State Senate elections, 2018	Hawaii State Legislature Hawaii House of Representatives Governor of Hawaii Hawaii Supreme Court	State legislative elections:2026,2025,2024,2023,2022,2021,2020,2019, and2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links

• Hawaii State Legislature

Footnotes

	v • e State ofHawaii Honolulu (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? |Elections in 2026 |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