Senator Paul Whalen on two Counties

Aloha Mrs. Susan McGeachy:
Thank you for writing to me about creating a second county on the Big Island. I appreciate your interest in the political process.
I have attempted to introduce legislation to create a second county on the Big Island. For my part, I understand that the development of the Big Island is indeed a fragile process and the Kona side of the island warrants individual attention. Unfortunately, my efforts to achieve our goal have been to no avail thus far. I will continue to pursue the issue in future sessions.
You inquired about the date of the next constitutional convention.
There is no measure requiring a constitutional convention be held periodically. Instead, the State Constitution requires the legislature to ask the public every ten years via ballot whether they would like a constitutional convention to be held. If voters decide they would like a constitutional convention, representatives are voted onto the constitutional convention committee at the next set of elections. These elected representatives, with input from the public, write suggested amendments to the state constitution. At the following set of elections, voters decide which amendments to the state constitution will be adopted.
Another avenue to getting a constitutional convention is for the legislature to pass a resolution to put a constitutional convention option on the next voting ballot. The resolution must pass in the Senate and the House and be signed by the Governor in order for action to be taken. Last session, Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 was written to put a constitutional convention on the ballot but died in committee without action being taken.
Thank you for your continued involvement in our community. I hope this information is helpful. I share in your desire to improve Hawaii for all its residents.
Mahalo,
Paul Whalen
State Senator, 3rd District