Some Hawaii lawmakers have backed a bill that would restrict Gov. David Ige's (D-HI) powers when it comes to emergency orders.
House Bill 103 would only allow these emergency measures to last a maximum of 60 days. It would also need at least 66% of lawmakers in the Hawaii House and Senate to approve extending an order.
Rep. Scott Nishimoto (D-District 21) said he sponsored the bill. Nishimoto said his constituents told him they were worried the public didn't have any say when it came to these emergency regulations. Hawaii's Legislature joins roughly 30 others who are hoping to limit governors' authority when it comes to emergency rules and restrictions.
"There needs to be checks," Nishimoto told Honolulu Civil Beat. "I think that is what my constituents were concerned about, that the governor has unilateral power to do things indefinitely and there is lack of community input."
The bill has garnished support from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, public workers unions and the state police union.
Ige, who enacted his 18th COVID-19 proclamation Friday, and his administration oppose the proposed law. Previous attempts to overturn Ige's orders haven't gotten anywhere in court.
Luke Meyers, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator, believes the it could impede how the state responds to emergencies beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As we've seen in any emergency, in any incident, they can be quite fluid," Meyers told Honolulu Civil Beat.
The Maui Chamber of Commerce also disagrees with the bill that's now making its way through the state House. Pamela Tumpap, chamber president, said quick-thinking decisions are necessary for Hawaii since the state is separated from the rest of the county and includes several islands.
The bill must pass the House Finance Committee before it goes before all 51 state representatives for a vote.