LT. GOVERNOR CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
HONOLULU – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. today
today called for a constitutional convention to allow the people of Hawai‘i
to become more directly involved in state government.
At a news conference held at the State Capitol, the Lt. Governor announced
that he submitted a letter Tuesday morning to the Office of Elections,
certifying the question of whether to convene a constitutional convention
should appear on the statewide ballot for the 2008 General Election.
“Our residents should have the opportunity to be more directly involved in
putting forward the decisions that govern them,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “I
trust the people of Hawai‘i will do what is best for our future.”
The last constitutional convention in Hawai‘i was held in 1978, nearly 30
years ago. The state Constitution requires that the electorate be asked
every nine years whether they would like to hold a convention. If any
nine-year period passes without the question being submitted to the
electorate, the Lt. Governor is given the responsibility of certifying the
question.
“My action today allows the people of Hawai‘i to voice their opinion on the
need to update our Constitution,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “I cannot
overstate the tremendous opportunity we have before us.”
The 1978 Constitutional Convention helped require an annual balanced budget,
establish term limits for the Governor and Lt. Governor, create the Judicial
Selection Commission and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and adopt the
Hawaiian language as an official state language of Hawai‘i, among other
significant developments.
“A constitutional convention will help foster greater public participation
in shaping our government and our future,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “By
working together, we can make Hawai‘i a better place now and into the
future.”
For more information, contact:
Travis Taylor
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
(808) 586-0283
