2016 state constitutional amendment questions

Hawaii state constitutional amendment questions on the 2016 general election ballot:

QUESTION:

“Shall the threshold value in controversy requirement for jury trials in civil cases at common law be increased from $5,000 to $10,000?”

Legislative background: The threshold value was last amended in 1988. This measure will reduce the costs to litigants and the burden on the circuit courts and the jury pool.

QUESTION:

‘Shall the legislature be provided, when the state general fund balance at the close of each of two successive fiscal years exceeds five per cent of the general fund revenues for each of the two fiscal years, the additional alternatives of appropriating general funds for the pre-payment of either or both of the following:

(1) Debt service for general obligation bonds issued by the State; or

(2) Pension or other post-employment benefit liabilities accrued for state employees?”

Legislative background: … this constitutional amendment will provide the Legislature alternatives in the disposition of excess revenues in addition to its existing options, which include providing a tax refund or tax credit, or depositing excess funds into one or more emergency and budget reserve funds.