This article was renumbered from Article XIV to be Article XVI by Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978. The former Article XVI now appears as Article XVIII.

Section 1. The employment of persons in the civil service, as defined by law, of or under the State, shall be governed by the merit principle. [Ren Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978]

Civil service, see chapter 76.

Hawaii constitution does not establish an independently enforceable right to the protection of merit principles. 85 H. 61, 937 P.2d 397.

Where, under §76-77, landfill worker positions were within civil service, and thus governed by merit principles under this section, county violated Hawaii constitution and civil service statutes when it privatized new landfill operation. 85 H. 61, 937 P.2d 397.