Charter Commission recommends elimination of the Neighborhood Board System

A Letter From Shawn Hamamoto, Executive Secretary,
Honolulu Neighborhood Commission

Aloha community members,

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. 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.

Update From The Honolulu Neighborhood Commission

CANCELLED MEETING -- The Honolulu Charter Commission has opted to cancel its May 26, 2016 meeting. We will let you know when they file a new agenda including items impacting the Neighborhood Board system. 

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 for the 5/26/16 meeting of the Charter Commission

Mahalo for supporting the neighborhood board system!

Shawn Hamamoto, Executive Secretary

Honolulu Neighborhood Commission