HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Voters on Kauai will have to decide on five important charter amendments on the ballot this general election.
2024 Kauai County Charter Amendment Question #1:
Shall the Police Commission’s 90-day window for reporting written investigation results start when the Commission receives the investigation report?
The first proposed charter amendment seeks to clarify when the Kauai Police Commission's 90-day window for reporting on investigations begins. Currently, the wording in the charter is unclear on when the clock starts and can be a problem when some investigations take longer than 90 days.
"Basically, it allows the police commission time after the investigation is complete, so they can have three months after the end of the investigation, so it should be more effective at finding problems. If there is problems," said Kauai County Councilmember Felica Cowden.
A "yes" vote would clarify that the Police Commission has 90 days after an investigation is complete to submit a report to the chief of police.
A "no" vote would keep the wording the same.
2024 Kauai County Charter Amendment Question #2:
Shall the Cost Control Commission be authorized to recommend increased costs if
they are expected to generate future cost savings or efficiencies?
The second amendment proposed giving the Kauai County Cost Control Commission the authority to recommend not only cost savings but also cost increases when necessary.
Right now, the Commission's role is limited to identifying ways to reduce government spending. However, there are instances when an increase in spending may result in longer-term savings or better efficiencies.
A "yes" vote would grant the Commission greater flexibility in their recommendations.
A "no" vote would keep the Commission's authority the same.
2024 Kauai County Charter Amendment Question #3:
Shall up to 5% of the County’s Open Space Fund be available for the maintenance of
lands, property entitlements, or improvements that were paid for by the Fund?
The third amendment would make 5% of Kauai County's Open Space Fund available for the maintenance of existing parks and other public land.
"Once we purchase a park or beach access, it takes maintenance and it takes somebody to do it. We have been relying on volunteers. This keeps those spaces safe and not turning into a pile of weeds," said Cowden.
A "yes" vote would allow for dedicated funding for maintenance, which is estimated to be about $100,000.
A "no" vote would keep funding as is.
2024 Kauai County Charter Amendment Question #4:
Shall the Charter be amended to allow the use of insurance policies for certain or all
employees to protect the County against financial loss?
The fourth charter amendment would authorize the county to purchase insurance or surety bonds to protect county employees against financial losses. Amending the charter would give the county the flexibility to buy policies with the best coverage.
"So across the nation, the surety bond market has failed a bit, and so we can't get surety bonds. So this says it gives us the flexibility to choose between surety bonds and liability insurance," explained Cowden.
A "yes" vote gives the county authority to buy either surety bonds or insurance, or both.
A "no" vote keeps the authority the same.
2024 Kauai County Charter Amendment Question #5:
Shall the Charter be amended to establish ex-officio positions for youth on Boards and
Commissions to be filled by Kauai resident high school juniors or seniors?
The fifth amendment proposes establishing an ex officio, non-voting position for youth on county boards and commissions. The change is designed to encourage greater youth participation in local governance and give youth a voice on local issues.
Cowden said the proposal was from a student who was working in the Charter Review Commission as part of a senior project this year. Cowden said the Charter Review Commission and Councilmembers agreed it was a good idea "because so many of our choices and actions that are made affect the future more than the present."
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A "yes" vote would add a new subsection to the charter to establish an ex officio position for Kauai youth on county boards and commissions.
A "no" vote would effect no change to the charter.