[ OUR OPINION ]
Changes would improve
county, state governmentsVOTERS will be asked on Tuesday to ratify three amendments to the state Constitution and one amendment to the City Charter. The Star-Bulletin supports all four amendments, which are aimed at correcting flaws in current law or improving government functions.
THE ISSUE Four amendments to the state Constitution and the City Charter will be on Tuesday's ballot for voters on Oahu.
Voters who ignore these amendments on the ballot will be, in effect, casting votes against them. The state Supreme Court ruled five years ago that an amendment must be approved by a majority of voters -- not just the votes cast on that amendment -- to be ratified. It is important that voters cast votes on these amendments, and we recommend saying "yes" to all of them.
>> State ballot question No. 1:
Candidates for state House or Senate seats would be required to be qualified voters in the districts where they run before filing their nomination papers and to remain in their districts throughout their terms. Under current law, a candidate can run for office in any district as long as he or she moves into the district on the day of the general election. The Star-Bulletin supports this common-sense requirement aimed at ensuring that candidates have some understanding of the communities they wish to represent. The amendment would make a reasonable exception for incumbents affected by reapportionment, allowing them to move out of their old districts and into their new ones without having to resign. It is supported by the League of Women Voters and Common Cause Hawaii.
Residency of state legislative candidates.
>> State ballot question No. 2:
This amendment would allow the state to act as a conduit to help nonprofit private schools, colleges and universities finance construction and renovation projects. The special-purpose revenue bonds would help these schools obtain financing at lower interest rates and generate jobs for the ailing construction industry. The schools -- not the state or taxpayers -- would bear the financial burden of nonpayment or default on any loans, as well as the administrative costs of bond issuance. The state Legislature would have to approve the bonds, providing safeguards against abuse and public examination of the need and propriety of any projects. Because education through private or public institutions benefits society as a whole, the Star-Bulletin favors approval of this amendment.
Assistance for private school construction.
>> State ballot question No. 3:
County prosecutors now must present live testimony before grand juries or in preliminary hearings to bring felony charges. City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle estimates that 10,000 victims and witnesses a year are called to testify before grand juries. His office would save $500,000 a year by instead submitting papers -- called "information charging" -- to a judge to establish probable cause. The documentation would include the investigating officer's report and written statements of victims and witnesses. Some defense attorneys oppose the amendment, claiming that it would deny their clients their right to due process and the requirement that prosecutors establish probable cause. It would do nothing of the kind; the documentation procedure is allowed in most states.
Felony charges by documentation.
>> City Charter question: Auditor's office.
Taxpayer demands for more efficient government and recent budget disputes between the City Council and the administration are compelling reasons for establishing an auditor's office to oversee the city's finances and functions. The Star-Bulletin urges Honolulu voters to mark "yes" for the proposed amendment to the City Charter.The amendment would set up on the city level an auditor's operation similar to that of the state's. The city auditor would be able to review the finances and the performance of all city agencies with unrestricted access and subpoena powers. Audits may be initiated by the Council or auditor alone.
The auditor would be appointed by the Council for a six-year term, providing protection from potential political retaliation by those in elective positions who serve for four years. Further, the auditor could be removed by only a two-thirds majority of the Council.
An auditor would give the public an independent analysis of city operations, reviews that have been elusive in the past as the executive and legislative branches have battled with each other over how much money was being spent and for what purposes. As the city's operating and capital improvements budgets have grown to total nearly $1.5 billion and as questionable projects and expenses have multiplied without clear explanations of costs, taxpayers are rightfully calling for accountability.
Critics of the amendment say that an auditor's office could add $500,000 to the city's expenses. That would be money well spent. An autonomous auditor could save taxpayers as much in increased efficiency and productivity. Moreover, it would help restore trust in government that is now lacking.
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Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, Publisher
Frank Bridgewater, Editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, Assistant Editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, Assistant Editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.comMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor, 529-4790; mpoole@starbulletin.com
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