Today’s ConCon debate echoes some themes from the lead-up to the previous Constitutional Convention, held through the summer of 1978. One was that unions were concerned that a collective-bargaining right approved in the 1968 ConCon would be watered down.
It wasn’t.
But a lot did happen in the meetings that were held in the old federal building, across from Iolani Palace. The Hawaiian renaissance was in full flower, and the rights of indigenous people took center stage in many discussions.
The promotion of Hawaiian culture in the public school curriculum, along with prohibition of gender discrimination in schools, were ideas whose time had come.
Further, there was a recognition of privacy rights, and the constitutional foundation for campaign spending was laid.
And the 1978 ConCon started the political careers of future lawmakers, including former Gov. John Waihee, former House Speaker Joe Souki, former mayor Jeremy Harris and legislators Barbara Marumoto, Les Ihara Jr., Helene Hale and Carol Fukunaga.
In all, delegates agreed to 34 constitutional amendments that were placed on the ballot, all ratified. Here are a few of the major ones. The convention proposed that the state:
>> Limit the governor and lieutenant governor to two terms in office.
>> Create a water resources agency to regulate water usage.
>> Be allowed to protect and promote agricultural activity and land.
>> Protect the customary rights of Native Hawaiians.
>> Establish an Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
>> Provide funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
>> Limit and regulate claims on real property.
