League of Women Voters of Honolulu and the City Charter
Here is the League statement as presented to the Charter Commission and at two public hearings:
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HONOLULU BELIEVES IN THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:-
A system of government in which responsibility is clearly fixed.
A system of government which is responsible to the people of the City and
County of Honolulu.
Governmental organization and administration which contribute to economy and efficienty.
THE LEAGUE IS IN FAVOR OF:
A short and simple Charter.
A strong centralized administration.
A short ballot.
THE LEAGUE URGES THE ADOPTION OF:
A council-manager form of government for the City and County of Honolulu, for the following reasons:
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Because in this form of government the lines of responsibility are clearly drawn: the council is solely responsible for the making of policy; the manager is solely responsible for administration.
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Because it provides for the employment of a trained administrator who is free to appoint a qualified and efficient staff.
THE LEAGUE RECCMMENDS:
That a Board of Supervisors of seven members be elected for a term of four years.
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Some compromise solution of the problem of representation: supervisors to be nominated by district and elected at large, or some elected at large and some by district.
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That the mayor (if a mayor-council form of government is adopted) and the Board of Supervisors be the only elected officials (short ballot).
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That there be a single finance apartment, the head of which is appointed (and removed) by the mayor or manager, with provisions for an annual, independent post-audit.
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That there be a single legal department, the head of which is appointed
(and removed) by the mayor or manager, the staff of which is subject to
civil service regulations. The right to hire temporary legal assistance
should be vested in the legal department.
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That the boards and commissions be limited to advisory groups; that is, that they should not interfere in the administration of departments.
That the staff of all departments be under the merit system.
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That a medico-legal investigative system be established in place of the coroner's office,
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June 1957
September 1957