Voters To Decide on Youth Commission and Ethics Reforms in General Election

On July 9, Honolulu City Council unanimously passed two proposed charter amendments where Honolulu voters will decide on the upcoming November 3 general election. Introduced by Councilmember Tommy Waters, the purpose of the two charter amendments, the Youth Commission and Honolulu Ethics Commission reform, is to promote greater participation and trust in government. 

Regarding the Youth Commission, the 2020 General Election ballot will ask the question: “Shall the Revised City Charter be amended to establish a Youth Commission under the Managing Director?” 

The Youth Commission amendment aims to establish a Youth Commission consisting of fifteen members between the ages of 14 to 24 years old where they will serve for staggered terms of two years. The Youth Commission will advise the council and mayor on the effects of policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs and budgets concerning the children and youth of the city. 

For the resolution relating to the Honolulu Ethics Commission, the 2020 General Election ballot will ask the question: “Shall the Revised City Charter be amended to allow the Honolulu Ethics Commission to control its own budget after it has been enacted?”

The proposal seeks to grant the Ethics Commission a greater control over its budget by prohibiting the withholding of funds once its budget has been appropriated by City Council.

For more information regarding charter amendments, please visit www.honolulucitycouncil.com.