THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3063
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IX, SECTION 5, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations' General Assembly in 1948 provides that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including housing. While the Constitution of the State of Hawaii states that "[e]ach person has the right to a clean and healthful environment, as defined by laws relating to environmental quality", it does not provide access to housing for all residents.

The legislature further finds that although Hawaii has had unmet housing needs for decades, today the State is in crisis mode as more people face the challenge of moving out of state or living in multi-household housing to avoid homelessness. The entire State, government at all levels, the private sector, non-profit agencies, and individuals, must focus on creating the supply to meet the demand for housing for all residents. Prioritizing access to housing demonstrates the State's commitment to housing as a necessary means of preserving quality of life. Housing for all residents should be as important a priority as the right to a clean and healthful environment, which is already enshrined in the state constitution.

The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article IX, section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to require the State to make housing for its residents among its highest priorities.

SECTION 2. Article IX, section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"HOUSING, SLUM CLEARANCE, DEVELOPMENT

AND REHABILITATION

Section 5. The State shall place housing for its residents among its highest priorities and shall implement this provision by statute. The State shall have the power to provide for, or assist in, housing, slum clearance and the development or rehabilitation of substandard areas. The exercise of such power is deemed to be for a public use and purpose."

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

"Should the Constitution of the State of Hawaii be amended to require that the State place housing for its residents among its highest priorities and shall implement this provision by statute?"

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

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

Report Title:

Constitutional Amendment; Access to Housing

Description:

Proposes an amendment to article IX, section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, to require the State to place housing for its residents among its highest priorities and to implement this provision by statute. (SD1)

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