Const. Art. XVI, §14
Titles and subtitles cannot be used to interpret the constitution
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗This section says that the titles and subtitles of the constitution cannot be used to figure out what the constitution means. It is a narrow rule about how to read the document. The actual text of the constitution is what matters.
everyone
The constitution, as written — Subtitles; Construction
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.
Titles and subtitles shall not be used for purposes of construing this constitution. [Ren Const Con 1968 and election Nov 5, 1968; ren and am Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978] Note A proposal of the 1978 Constitutional Convention deleted a second paragraph which read: "Whenever any personal pronoun appears in this constitution, it shall be construed to mean either sex." This deletion appears to be one of the unspecified changes submitted for ratification under Question 34. On whether any of the changes submitted under Question 34 was in fact approved by the electorate, see Kahalekai v. Doi, 60 H. 324, 590 P.2d 543, excerpted in the note preceding the Preamble to the Constitution. Case Notes Words of constitution presumed to be used in their natural sense. 44 H. 159, 352 P.2d 861. Clear and unambiguous provisions are construed as they are written. 51 H. 1, 449 P.2d 130.
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