Why is the issue of a constitutional convention being put on the ballot in the upcoming general election?
• The Hawaii State Legislature can place a constitutional convention on the ballot at any election. Those who drafted our State constitution included the provisions for the automatic placement of the question on the ballot every 10 years; however, the intent was not to make changes to our constitution every 10 years. Instead, it was to provide an opportunity by the people to adapt the constitution to new conditions within a reasonable time if the legislature fails to do so, based on demand. Hawaii is one of the few states in the nation that reviews its constitution so frequently.
