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<br />Back To: Home Page | Table of Contents | Charter Main Page <br /> <br />THE HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER <br />The first Hawaii County Charter, authorized by state law, was <br />adopted by Hawaii Island voters in 1968. This document has since <br />served as the "constitution" of Hawaii County, providing the <br />structural framework for the organization and operation of county <br />government. <br /> <br />THE CHARTER ORGANIZES COUNTY GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS: <br />THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, headed by the Mayor who <br />oversees County departments such as Finance, Public <br />Works and Fire. The Executive Branch is responsible <br />for the administration of county laws. THE <br />LEGISLATIVE BRANCH consists of the County Council <br />and its support offices. The Council is responsible <br />for passing legislation and formulating public <br />policy as distinct from administering county <br />government. <br />THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, headed by our <br />elected Prosecuting Attorney who prosecutes persons <br />for offenses against the laws of the State and <br />County. <br /> <br />THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO INITIATE CHARTER CHANGES (AMENDMENTS): <br />1. By ordinance passed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the <br />entire County Council. <br />2. By submittal of a petition to the Council from 20% of the <br />registered voters. <br />3. By a Charter Commission which must be appointed by the Mayor to <br />review the Charter every ten years. <br />In all cases, county voters must vote to approve the amendments. <br /> <br />1999-2000 CHARTER REVIEW <br />This year is the third ten-year review of our County Charter. The <br />Mayor has appointed an 11 member Commission which is beginning the <br /> <br />