THE HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER

The first Hawaii County Charter, authorized by state law, was adopted by Hawaii Island voters in 1968. This document has since served as the "constitution" of Hawaii 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. The Executive Branch 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.

THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, headed by our elected Prosecuting Attorney who prosecutes persons for offenses against the laws of the State and County.

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.

1999-2000 CHARTER REVIEW

This year is the third ten-year review of our County Charter. The Mayor has appointed an 11 member Commission which is beginning the review process. The Commission is seeking input from County agencies and any interested citizen or organization.

In order to encourage participation, all meetings are announced in our Hilo and Kona newspapers and are open to the public.

The Commission plans to hold meetings for the remainder of 1999 and early 2000, after which proposed amendments will be acted upon by the voters in an election in the year 2000.

• 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

The previous two Charter Review Commissions recommended 31 amendments, 25 of them approved by the voters.