Bill Text: HI SB2036 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 2036 (Prior Session Legislation)

HI State Legislature page for SB2036

Introduced

Bill Title: Counties; Townships

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-27 - (S) Re-Referred to PGM, JDL/WAM. [SB2036 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2036-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2036
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COUNTIES.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46- Townships; power of counties to create. (a) A county shall have the power to create townships by an initiative conducted upon a petition of registered voters within the proposed township area or a percentage of registered voters within the proposed township area, whichever is less, and approved by a vote of the residents of any discreet geographic area within the county comprising the proposed township; provided that:

(1) There shall be an equitable distribution of population and economic wealth within a township; and

(2) Every township shall consist of contiguous land.

(b) Each township shall have powers to the extent provided by county charter and ordinances; provided that the power of a township may include the power to elect a local governing body and manager, to adopt local ordinances, to provide for public services, to tax real property located within the township, and to assess fees for public services.

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and upon ratification of a constitutional amendment allowing counties to create townships.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Counties; Townships

Description:

Enables counties to create townships. Specifies that counties may create townships within the county by an initiative created by registered voters within the proposed township area, and upon approval of the initiative by a vote. Specifies that a township shall have powers as provided in county charter and ordinances, that may include electing a local governing body and a manager, adopting township ordinances, providing for public services, taxing real property located within the township, and assessing fees for public services. Requires an equitable distribution of population and economic wealth among townships within a county. Requires a township to consist of contiguous land and to conduct elections independently of administration and financing by the State.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.