Opinion ID: 1166996
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the constitutionality of section 78-3 under the due process clause.

Text: Appellant argues that section 78-3 violates the due process clause of the Hawaii Constitution because the statute creates an irrebuttable presumption that employees generally lack the mental and physical skills to continue working beyond the age of 70. We disagree with the appellant that the existence of this irrebuttable presumption affects the constitutionality of section 78-3. This court stated in Nagle, at 118-19, that in cases involving neither suspect classifications nor fundamental rights, we will uphold the constitutionality of a statutory presumption if it has a rational basis. Moreover, in Nagle, at 116-17, 119, we held that there is a reasonable basis for the presumption that an individual's physical and intellectual skills generally decline with age. In the instant case, this court has already concluded that the presumption in section 78-3 concerning the mental and physical qualifications of 70-year-old employees is reasonable and, therefore, constitutional. Since the presumption has a rational basis, we hold that section 78-3 does not violate the due process clause.