Lt. Governor Talks Con Con in East Honolulu
Lt. Governor Aiona has begun a series of speaking engagements focused on discussing with groups such as the Rotary Club of East Honolulu the value of holding a convention to update the State Constitution.
Lt. Governor Aiona addresses the East Honolulu Rotary Club about a Hawai`i Constitutional Convention.
The Lt. Governor spoke to an audience of about 50 people who attended the club's lunch meeting at Waialae Country Club, where he urged Rotarians to take advantage of the opportunity they will have during the November 4th election to decide whether the state should hold a Constitutional Convention.
“Rarely does an opportunity come for the public to impose such far-reaching change upon our system of government and we should not let it pass by,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “I cannot overstate the importance of this opportunity. A constitutional convention will put the public back in the driver’s seat. In a state that has the lowest voter turnout rate in the nation, and no statewide form of public initiative or referendum, convening a constitutional convention is the best way to get the public more directly involved in putting forth the decisions that govern them.”
The Lt. Governor’s appearance continued the buildup for the public’s upcoming response to the ballot question: “Shall there be a convention to propose a revision of or amendments to the State Constitution?”
The last Constitutional Convention was held in 1978 – about 30 years ago. Among the accomplishments were term limits for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Would-be issues this time around could potentially include restructuring the public education system; strengthening environmental safeguards; redefining relationships between the state and counties; and expanding such legislative options as public initiative and referendum.
“The ballot question is one of the most important decisions facing Hawai‘i voters this year,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.
Over the next two months, the Lt. Governor is scheduled to discuss the issue with various civic clubs around the state. He has also been leading an 11-member task force to study the cost of holding a Constitutional Convention. The group’s final meeting is scheduled for July 31. In addition, the Lt. Governor has created a web site to inform the public about a Constitutional Convention.
- Learn more about a Hawai`i Constitutional Convention.
