Honolulu charter vote
to come in 1998, 2000

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

Mayor Jeremy Harris and city Charter Commission Chairman Lex Brodie have defended the commission's legality after questions were raised by the League of Women Voters of Honolulu.

During a meeting yesterday, Brodie announced that the 13-member commission will seek to place proposed amendments on ballots in both the 1998 and 2000 elections.

The commission has received 25 proposals from the administration and Council, and expects more when public hearings are conducted, Brodie said.

He said he doesn't expect many more than 10 amendments to be discussed for inclusion on the November ballot, so prioritizing is crucial.

Brodie cited proposals to merge the Finance and Budget departments, and the Land Utilization and Planning departments, as among items he feels are important for this year's ballot.

The proposed mergers are part of the city's reorganization plan, which plays a key role in the lawsuit threatened by the League of Women Voters.

The league has charged that the commission is convening earlier than it should to meet the reorganization agenda set out by Harris and the Council majority.

The Charter states that a commission will convene every 10 years to review the city's chief legal document. The last commission met in 1991.

The last commission met for 16 months and came up with 32 proposed amendments, the suit says.

Harris, in a prepared statement yesterday, said, "It is unfortunate that the League of Women Voters has become the defender of the status quo at a time when our taxpayers are demanding that government change the way it does business."

Brodie said he's been assured by city attorneys that the commission is legal.

The commission has until Sept. 1 for proposals to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. Brodie acknowledged that the shortage of time is a hindrance.

City changes open to public discussion Charter Commission members are urging the public to testify. Hearings will be held: Wednesday, 7 p.m., at Ewa Beach Community Park. Thursday, 7 p.m., Honolulu Hale's City Council chambers. July 28, 7 p.m., Wahiawa District Park. July 29, 7 p.m., Kailua District Park.