2018-2020 Report of the Charter Commission to the County Council

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INTRODUCTION In 1963, the State legislature passed Act 73, which enabled the various counties to form and adopt a Charter for their own self -governance. Three Charter Commissions were formed; in 1963-1964, 1965-1966, and 1967-1968. The first Charter was finally adopted by Hawai`i County in 1968 and became effective on January 2, 1969. The 1979 Charter Commission included an amendment that required the Charter to be reviewed every 10 years starting in 1989. The Charter acts as the County's governing document, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the County government. Since 1969 the Charter has been amended several times, most recently in 2018. It provides for the broad structure of County governance and provides the authority for the various County departments to act. The Charter can only be amended by a vote of the citizens of the County of Hawai`i. The Charter Commission's proposals will be placed on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot with any County Council proposed alternatives or citizen -initiated amendments. At that time, the voters will decide which changes are desirable for our County. The Charter Commission respectfully submits its report to the County Council for its consideration pursuant to §50-8, Hawai`i Revised Statutes. 1