Video: Hawaii AG Tells Supreme Court 'Vote No' on HSTA Property Tax

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”