In the 2024 General Election, Kauai County voters will be asked to decide on five ballot questions.

The ballot questions were approved by the Kauai County Charter Commission. Below is a brief description of each ballot question, a summary of why the measure was proposed, and what action it would enable.

Question 1: Relating to Police Commission Investigation

Shall the Police Commission’s 90-day window for reporting written investigation results start when the Commission receives the investigation report?

The County Charter currently gives the Police Commission 90 days to receive, consider and investigate police conduct cases. This Charter Amendment would separate the investigation time and the reporting time, giving the Police Commission adequate time to conduct thorough investigations when members of the public bring charges against the Police Department or its members.

Voting yes on this question would provide the Police Commission adequate time to conduct more thorough investigations. It will require the Police Commission to prepare and submit a final report to the Police Chief within 90 days after the investigation is complete.

Voting no on this question would limit the Police Commission’s ability to thoroughly investigate complaints by restricting its investigation and final report to 90 days after a complaint is received.

Question 2: Relating to Cost Control Commission Report

Shall the Cost Control Commission be authorized to recommend increased costs if they are expected to generate future cost savings or efficiencies?

The County Cost Control Commission is authorized to recommend measures that eliminate programs and services and reduce costs (Kauaʻi County Charter, Section 28.04). The commission concluded that in some cases, an increase in spending may result in long-term efficiencies or savings. This amendment would allow the commission to recommend spending funds to achieve long-term cost-savings. The recommendation would still require both County Council and Mayoral approval before it goes into effect.

 Voting yes on this question would give the Cost Control Commission greater flexibility in recommending improving the efficiency of government and in achieving long-term reductions in the cost of providing services.

 Voting no on this question would limit the commission’s ability by only permitting them to recommend cuts to programs and services to reduce the cost of government.

Question 4: Relating to Surety Bonds

Shall the Charter be amended to allow the use of insurance policies for certain or all employees to protect the County against financial loss?

Currently the Kaua’i County Charter Section 19.17 states certain officers and employees are required to be bonded. In the past, surety bonds provided a financial guarantee against loss or theft associated with the performance of the official duties of an office. Surety bonds however, may not be readily available today. Insurance can provide the same protection for all employees at a lower cost. Amending a portion of Section 19.17 would give the County flexibility in purchasing either insurance or surety bonds to cover county employees and protect the county against financial loss or theft.

Voting yes on this question would give the County flexibility in purchasing the best insurance protection at the lowest cost for County employees.

Voting no on this question would require the County to continue purchasing surety bonds which may not be available to provide insurance protections for certain or all County employees, at a higher cost to taxpayers.

Question 3: Relating to Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund

Shall up to 5% of the County’s Open Space Fund be available for the maintenance of lands, property entitlements, or improvements that were paid for by the Fund?

The County’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund (Kauaʻi County Charter, Section 19.15.C) is primarily aimed at acquiring lands for the purposes specified in its title, ensuring public access, open space and preserving natural resources. However, the county has had difficulty arranging for volunteer groups or non-profit entities to take on long-term maintenance and stewardship for the properties and improvements. This is particularly true with the preservation of ecologically and culturally sensitive projects. This measure would allow a small portion of the Fund to be used to support stewardship. As an example, these existing funds could be used to purchase lumber or other supplies to help volunteers with the maintenance costs.

 Voting yes on this question would permit the County to designate a portion of already existing funds so that Kauaʻi’s protected properties can be properly maintained and preserved.

Voting no on this question would prevent the County from spending a small portion of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund to support the stewardship and maintenance of protected properties.

Question 5: Relating to Ex-officio Youth Position on County Boards and Commissions

Shall the Charter be amended to establish ex-officio positions for youth on Boards and Commissions to be filled by Kauaʻi resident high school juniors and seniors?

This amendment would allow a student to serve as an ex-officio member on County boards and commissions and empower youth to learn about government. This Charter Amendment would create seats for high school juniors or seniors who are Kauaʻi residents. These ex-officio members would be permitted to participate in discussions but will not vote, will not be counted toward quorum, and will not participate in executive sessions.

 Voting yes on this question would give Kauaʻi high school juniors and seniors a hands-on opportunity to participate in civic engagement by serving on boards and commissions in a non-voting capacity.

Voting no on this question would mean there will continue to be no youth participation on County boards or commissions.

The State of Hawaii passed Act 136, SLH 2019, implementing elections by mail. All properly registered voters will automatically receive a mail ballot packet approximately 18 days prior to the election.

Keep Your Voter Registration Record Up to Date: Ballots are mailed to the voter's mailing address associated with their voter registration record. Voters who have moved, changed their name or mailing address, must update their voter registration. Voters may check online or call their Clerk's Office to confirm that their voter registration is current.

Voting Your Ballot: Voters should expect to receive their General Election mail ballot packet by October 25. If they do not, they should contact their County Elections Division for a replacement.

Preparing Your Ballot for Return: After voting your ballot, re-fold it and seal it in the secret ballot sleeve. The secret ballot sleeve ensures your right to secrecy as the ballots are opened and prepared for counting. Once sealed, place the secret ballot sleeve in the return envelope. Read the affirmation statement and sign the return envelope before returning it to the Clerk's Office. Voters must sign the return envelope for the ballot to be counted.

Returning Your Ballot: Voters may return their ballot by mail or in-person at a designated ballot drop box. Voted ballots must be received by the Clerk's Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2024. The return envelope is postage paid via the U.S. Postal Service and addressed to your Clerk’s Office. Voters returning their General Election ballot by mail (USPS) should do so by October 28. After October 28, voters should drop off their ballot to the Elections Division or a place of deposit. Visit the Elections division webpage and locations for hours.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English speaking persons, contact the Office of Boards & Commissions at (808) 241-4917 or adavis@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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