Center for Hawaii’s Constitution
Hawaiʻi CONSTITUTION
The Hawaiʻi State Constitution is the founding document for the Aloha State
Since its first drafting, the Constitution has shaped the unique laws, institutions, and political culture of the state. The text is written by and for Hawaiʻi’s people, yet it remains unfamiliar for many communities. We at HIPA believe the people of Hawaiʻi deserve clear, accurate, and accessible information about the constitution and any process to amend it.
The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs (HIPA) has initiated the Center for Hawaii’s Constitution to research the history, content, and impact of the Hawaii State Constitution, and educate the public on Hawaiʻi’s foundational civic document.
To these ends, HIPA strives to:
-
Promote constitutional literacy
-
Foster informed public dialogue about state operations and constitutional rights
-
Support educated decision-making related to the 2028 constitutional convention vote
-
Build long-term civic capacity for engaging with the Constitution
PUBLICATIONS
Research and Publications from the Center
The Evolving Constitution Series: For the first time in a single place, HIPA has compiled the complete revision history of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution from its inception in territorial Hawaiʻi in 1950 to the present. This series allows readers to track all changes made to the Hawaiʻi State Constitution, retaining both omitted and amended language for reference. This series serves as a foundational aid for teachers, students, scholars, policy practitioners, and citizens alike interested in Hawaiʻi’s history, government, and unique rights.
Part 1
(1950 – 1976)
Evolving Constitution 1950 – 78
Part 2
1978
Evolving Constitution 1978
Part 3
(1979 – 2025)
Evolving Constitution 1979 – 2025
Part 1
(1950 – 1976)
Evolving Constitution 1950 – 78
Part 2
1978
Evolving Constitution 1978
Part 3
(1979 – 2025)
Evolving Constitution 1979 – 2025