As a senior who has lived in Hawaii for most of my life, I’m opposed to the ballot measure that may allow for a state constitutional convention. Our Constitution already works to protect so many kupuna such as myself by guaranteeing benefits through the Employees Retirement System.

I’m also opposed because I have served as a citizen advocate and have testified on issues such as public funding for long-term care and ensuring that seniors have the financial support for affordable access to the care they need.

With estimates showing that the cost of the convention may be as high as $55 million, surely we can spend our taxpayer dollars for actual programs that help residents.

Instead of wasting money on an unnecessary activity, let’s invest that money to continue to support myself and other kupuna across our state to make sure that all seniors can live their lives with a sense of dignity.

Gary K. Tanimitsu

Salt Lake

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