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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Most voters favor 3 amendments, reject age proposal

By Robbie Dingeman

O'ahu voters weighed in on three city Charter amendments in addition to the rail question, approving all of the less-controversial charter questions, based on a majority of votes counted as of last night.

But on the state Constitution, voters were unwilling to lower the age qualification for governor, with that proposal garnering overwhelming opposition.

Any changes to the Constitution require a higher standard. To succeed, the "yes" votes need to outnumber not just the "no" votes but also the blank votes and over votes.

O'ahu voters were asked to vote "yes" or "no" on these three additional proposed amendments to the Charter of the City and County of Honolulu:

• Prosecutor's duties. The proposal gives the Honolulu prosecuting attorney the same authority as the state attorney general to develop programs on the subject of crime, including the authority to receive and spend grants and donations for crime research.

Late night results showed almost two-thirds of voters in favor of this move.

The question: "Shall the Prosecuting Attorney be allowed to initiate, develop, and perform or coordinate programs, projects and activities, as determined by the prosecuting attorney, on the subject of crime, including but not limited to crime research, prevention, and education?"

• Ethics Commission fines. This proposal extends the power of the city Ethics Commission to issue fines to a wider range of city officials and employees; currently the commission may fine only elected officials.

The question: "Shall the Revised City Charter be amended to authorize the city Ethics Commission to impose civil fines established by ordinance for violations of the standards of conduct committed by appointed officers and employees of the city who have significant discretionary or fiscal power?"

The incomplete results showed more than 72 percent of voters in favor of this proposal.

• Impeachment jurisdiction. This proposal brings the city Charter in line with state law, which gives state Circuit Courts jurisdiction over impeachment proceedings against county officials. Voting was showing about 72 percent in support of this proposal.

The question: "Shall the Revised Charter of the City and County of Honolulu 1973 be amended to conform to state law by specifying that the circuit courts of the state have jurisdiction ofimpeachment proceedings against elected county officers?"

Voters rejected the State constitutional amendment that proposed to lower the minimum age of the governor and lieutenant governor from 30 to 25. Incomplete results showed more than 78 percent disapproved of the change.

The amendment was first introduced by state Sen. David Ige in 2007, at the request of a group of students who believed setting the age requirement lower would encourage youthful leadership.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.