Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona yesterday urged voters to support a constitutional convention as an opportunity to shape public policy and state government.

The state constitution authorizes the lieutenant governor to place the question of a constitutional convention on the ballot if a decade passes without the state Legislature putting the question before voters. Voters rejected a constitutional convention in 1998.

The question will be on the ballot for the general election next November, and if approved, the convention would be held in 2010.

"I believe it is appropriate that they be given the right to shape the future of our state. I cannot overstate the tremendous opportunity that we have before us," Aiona said at a news conference at the state Capitol.

The state's last constitutional convention was in 1978, when delegates favored term limits for the governor and lieutenant governor, the creation of the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs and making Hawaiian an official state language. Voters agreed to ratify those amendments.

Aiona said voters should consider whether issues such as education reform, natural resource protection, energy use and government accountability merit a constitutional convention. In September, Gov. Linda Lingle had suggested during debate over the fate of Hawaii Superferry that people unhappy with the government process might want to consider a constitutional convention.

State House and Senate Democratic leaders have not taken an official position on a constitutional convention, but individual lawmakers say one might be beneficial if properly focussed.

State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), predicted a variety of interest groups would convince voters a constitutional convention is necessary. "Personally, I like to think of the constitution as a living document," she said.

State House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell, D-24th (Manoa), said he would endorse a constitutional convention, provided that research and planning beforehand focused on the question of government performance. He said it could be useful to discuss issues such as which government functions belong with the state or the counties and whether government is responsive.

But Caldwell said he would oppose a constitutional convention if it appeared it was an attempt to roll back civil rights or Native Hawaiian interests.

"In that case, it would turn into a populist mess instead of a good, strong public-policy debate," he said.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.