County Charter Review Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments

Kaua‘i County Charter Review Commission is considering several changes to the Kaua‘i County Charter that could appear on the 2026 General Election ballot.

Before members make their final decisions on which initiatives to put up for a vote, they want to hear from the community and invite oral public comments during their next meeting Nov. 24 in Līhu‘e.

Those who cannot make it to the meeting or would rather submit feedback can do so through written testimony, which should — preferably — be received by the commission no later than 24 hours before the meeting.

Residents can submit written testimony via email to adavis@kauai.gov or standard U.S. Postal Service mail by sending it to Charter Review Commission, c/o Office of Boards and Commission, 4444 Rice St., Suite 300, Līhu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766.

The County Charter is the fundamental document outlining how county government works in Kaua‘i County, similar to how the U.S. Constitution is to the federal government.

Charter Review Commission members — who are nominated by the mayor and approved by Kaua‘i County Council — consider amendments. Approved commission recommendations are then usually placed on the next general election ballot and voted on by the electorate.

Among proposals now under consideration:

• Adding to qualifications for the finance director, allowing a certified public accountant certificate to replace some training and including experience in preparing or auditing financial statements.
• Requiring the Kaua‘i County Cost Control Commission to review the proposed budget of the Office of County Clerk and make recommendations to the mayor.
• Allowing the Kaua‘i County attorney to set policy on which contracts must be or not be approved as to form and legality.
• Removing references to a “Zoning Board of Appeals,” which has never been seated and its functions performed by the Kaua‘i County Planning Commission.
• Allowing publication of charter amendments in online formats if local newspaper publication is not feasible.
• Prohibiting or limiting gated communities within the county.

Each of these proposals was brought to the review commission, which continues to consider all of them and has made no final recommendations.

Commission members are authorized to place on the election ballot those proposed changes they agree to be necessary or desirable.

The Nov. 24 meeting of Kaua‘i County Charter Review Commission will be conducted in the Boards and Commissions Conference Room at the Pi‘ikoi Building located 4444 Rice St. in Suite 300.