October 23, 2016, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Carroll and Natalie Iwasa, Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Chair and forensic CPA, talk about the twenty charter amendment questions on this year's ballot. Natalie explains how the Charter Commission works and how they selected the amendments. Out of over 150 amendments reviewed, twenty were selected for the ballot.
One thing to note, in past years blank votes could be either yes or no, which was very confusing for the voter, but this year blank votes do not count.
Carroll and Natalie walk us through the amendments and what they mean, with pros and cons of each. Of particular concern are regarding the affordable housing, transit system, zoo fund, and the Ethics Commission. Pay close attention to the ramifications of voting yes or no.
One strangely worded amendment asks should the city require proper long-term project plans. Isn't that a given? Natalie explains what that amendment means. The amendment allowing legislators three consecutive four-year terms is also interesting and up to debate.
Natalie and others debate whether to leave a selection blank, or to vote "no". If you have time, research and try to get an understanding of at least a few of the amendments.
Finally, Carroll and Natalie express concerns about the way the amendments were handled, particularly that there are so many, and they were released to the public so late in the process.
For more information, link here to Natalie's blog: whatnataliethinks . Natalie recommends: 1Y, 2Y, 3Y, 4N, 5N, 6N, 7N, 8N, 10Y, 11N, 12N, 13Y, 14Y, 15N, 16N, 17N, 18N, 19N, 20Y.
A meeting to discuss the amendments will be held October 31, at 5:30 p.m., at the Democratic Headquarters building, 627 South St., Honolulu.
Link here to an explanation of amendments from Hawaii Advocates for Consumer Rights.
Natalie Iwasa
