by Andrew Walden

The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether to remove the HSTA’s proposed Constitutional Amendment from consideration on the November 6 ballot.

Oral arguments in the four-county appeal of a negative Circuit Court ruling were heard by the Hawaii Supreme Court today. 

Justices peppered attorneys with questions and seemed particularly skeptical of the State’s arguments.

In response to a question from Associate Justice Paula A. Nakayama, Hawaii Attorney General Russell Suzuki says: “You should vote ‘No’” on the proposed  Constitutional Amendment.  There was laughter heard from the audience.

Here is the exchange: LINK

Link: Complete Video of Oral Arguments  

Coverage:

• Big Q: Is wording of the proposed “school surcharge” constitutional amendment unlawfully deceptive?  – 80% ‘Yes’
• SA: The Hawaii Supreme Court is expected to rule quickly 
• CB: “Nothing would prevent the Legislature from funding education exclusively with real property surcharges,” McKenna said  
• IM: Hawai`i Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Constitutional Educational Amendment
• PBN: “The Legislature is actually not required to increase public education funding”