HI HB1741

Repeals Article XI, Section 8 of the Hawaii Constitution, which currently prohibits construction of nuclear fission power plants or disposal of radioactive material without prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the legislature.

Allows the legislature to approve nuclear power plant construction and radioactive material disposal with a simple majority vote instead of the current two-thirds requirement.

Proposes placing a constitutional amendment question on the ballot asking: "Shall the Constitution of the State of Hawaii be amended to allow the legislature to approve the construction of nuclear fission power plants without requiring prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the legislature?"

Finds that Hawaii's power grid would benefit from diverse energy sources, including nuclear energy, and that current constitutional restrictions make it difficult for the legislature to approve nuclear power plants.

Amendment takes effect upon compliance with Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution (standard constitutional amendment procedures).