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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
Get involved in the HIPA Center for Hawaii’s 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.

Evolving Constitution Part 1

Part 1
(1950 – 1976)

Evolving Constitution 1950 – 78

Evolving Constitution Part 2

Part 2
1978

Evolving Constitution 1978

Evolving Constitution Part 3

Part 3
(1979 – 2025)

Evolving Constitution 1979 – 2025

Evolving Constitution Part 1

Part 1
(1950 – 1976)

Evolving Constitution 1950 – 78

Evolving Constitution Part 2

Part 2
1978

Evolving Constitution 1978

Evolving Constitution Part 3

Part 3
(1979 – 2025)

Evolving Constitution 1979 – 2025

CALL FOR FILMMAKERS

1978 Hawai‘i Constitutional Convention Documentary

CALL FOR FILMMAKERS-- HIPA is seeking interest from qualified filmmakers and production companies to produce a broadcast-quality documentary tentatively titled “1978 Hawai‘i Constitutional Convention: The Event That Shaped Modern Hawai‘i”.

The documentary will chronicle the 1978 Hawai‘i Constitutional Convention, during which 102 delegates reviewed and revised the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i, producing thirty-four amendments that defined the state’s political trajectory into the present day and reshaped governance, culture, and rights in Hawai‘i.

Download Call for Filmmakers PDF