Message from Neighborhood Commission Office

Aloha community members,     May 23, 2016

On May 16, 2016 a Permitted Interaction Group of the Honolulu Charter Commission recommended that the Charter Commission place on the general election ballot the following question: “Should the City increase citizen participation in the decision of government though the use of electronic communication, such as television, Internet, and email, and eliminate the Neighborhood Board System?’

The Charter Commission will be considering this recommendation at their meeting on May 26, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. I respectfully ask that you join me in showing your support for the Neighborhood Board System by submitting testimony to the Honolulu Charter Commission in opposition to this recommendation. You may view the agenda here:AGENDA

I believe that neighborhood boards represent grassroots democracy in its purest form, and strongly support their continued existence. Neighborhood boards serve as a feedback loop, ensuring that the City and State governments are aware of the impact their programs and services are having at the neighborhood level.

Testimony may be submitted online here: Submit testimony

Please be sure to indicate you are testifying on agenda item III.

Mahalo for supporting the Neighborhood Board System!

Shawn Hamamoto,

Executive Secretary

  *   *   *   *   *

Big Q: Do you think Oahu’s neighborhood board system is obsolete?

May 23, 2016: Charter proposal: Abolish neighborhood boards on Oahu