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Const. Art. I, §2

Individual Rights and Responsibilities

Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗

This section says everyone is born free and has equal basic rights, like life, liberty, happiness, and owning property. These rights only last if people also accept their duties to others. It is a general statement of values, not a detailed rule.

everyone

The constitution, as written — Individuals

A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.

All persons are free by nature and are equal in their inherent and inalienable rights. Among these rights are the enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the acquiring and possessing of property. These rights cannot endure unless the people recognize their corresponding obligations and responsibilities. [Am Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978] Case Notes See also notes to U.S. Const. Amend. 14. Section 746-6, making presence in barricaded place a crime, was invalid as it denied the freedom of movement and freedom of association guaranteed hereunder. 52 H. 604, 483 P.2d 997. Section 286-81(1)(A), requiring motorcycle safety helmets, is not a mere self-protective legislation and is valid. 55 H. 138, 516 P.2d 709. Traffic statutes, §§286-25, 286-102, 291-11.6, and 431:10C-104(b), did not violate defendant’s freedom of movement. 77 H. 222 (App.), 883 P.2d 644. A chapter 586 protective order does not unconstitutionally curtail a person's freedom of movement. 85 H. 197 (App.), 940 P.2d 404. As §711-1102's limit on freedom of association and movement is only within the immediate vicinity of the disorderly conduct and there is no "unlimited and indiscriminately sweeping infringement upon the freedom of movement and association", §711-1102 does not violate this section. 101 H. 153 (App.), 64 P.3d 282. Mentioned: 51 H. 516, 465 P.2d 573; 53 H. 327, 493 P.2d 306.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 21, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.