Background

The first Hawai‘i County Charter, authorized by state law, was adopted by Hawai‘i Island voters in 1968. This document has since served as the "Constitution" of Hawai‘i County, providing the structural framework for the organization and operation of county government.

The Charter Organizes County Government As Follows:

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, headed by the Mayor, who oversees County departments such as Finance, Public Works and Fire, is responsible for the administration of county laws.

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH,consists of the County Council and its support offices. The Council is responsible for passing legislation and formulating public policy as distinct from administering county government.

There Are Three ways to initiate charter changes (amendments):

1. By ordinance passed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire County Council.
2. By submittal of a petition to the Council from 20% of the registered voters.
3. By a Charter Commission which must be appointed by the Mayor to review the Charter every ten years.

In all cases, county voters must vote to approve the amendments.

Sample of amendments previously proposed and passed:

• Create 9 single-member council districts, reducing terms from 4 to 2 years
• Term limits for Council: 4 consecutive 2 year terms
• Recall of elected officials
• Centralized purchasing
• Confirmation of department heads by County Council
• Changes to County budgeting procedures
• Changes to Initiative and Referendum
• Establish minimum qualifications for Finance, Planning, and Managing Directors and for the Fire Chief
• Independent Legislative Auditor's Office
• Create a Leeward and Windward Planning Commission