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Apr-08-08 04:28pm From-11GEA/AFSCLE LOCAL 152 +8085284059 T-922 P.02/02 F-293 a` 888 Mililani Street, Suite 601 Telephone: 808.5411.0&0 A F S C M F. LOCAL 152. AFL-CIO Honolulu, Hawaii 9681.1-2991 Faaimile•2888R8.a09 ea.org County Council fl~~~~' County of Hawaii Testimony by HGEA/AFSCME Local 152 April 9, 2008 Bill 257 - Ordinsince to Initiate A Chart 8mendment to Article XI It o ai I County Charter 2000 Relating to Initiative and Referendum. The Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME, Local 152, AFL-CIO opposes Sill 257. Initiative and referendum are attractive because of the appeal to "direct democracy". However, the very same "big" interests that initiative and referendum were supposed to thwart frequently initiate ballot initiatives and referenda. On the Mainland, special interest groups with huge campaign chests sponsor many initiatives. Special interests have always sponsored initiatives, but now they have millions to spend. As a result, big money and special interests have co-opted the initiative process, and use it to circumvent or preempt legislative actions. While money does not always prevail in initiative battles, it usually is a decisive factor. Problems can also arise when proposed Initiatives lead to misunderstandings, legal challenges and unintended consequences. Another problem with initiative and referendum is that it fosters a take it or leave it approach. In contrast, the legislative process provides additional checks and balances and fosters a deliberative approach to solving public policy issues. Our system of government is a representative democracy, meaning that voters elect representatives (legislators) who have the power to enact or repeal laws. We are committed to this system of government. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in opposition to Bill 257. Respectfully submitted, Kf-~' I1Z. Kevin Mulligan Public Policy Specialist H A W A I I G 0 V E R N M E N T E M P L 0 Y 0 E S A S S O C I A'T I O N