I applaud that Mike Golojuch is looking out for the people’s interest (“Makakilo resident files ethics complaint against Mayor Kirk Caldwell,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 18). However, I disagree with his complaint that the mayor overstepped his authority by asking the neighborhood boards to add to their agenda a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment allowing the state to impose a property tax to fund public schools.

As chair of a neighborhood board, I do get requests to add items to our agenda via mass emails from the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). This is not unusual, and the mayor’s request is similar. I appreciate that we have an identified entity to come to the board to discuss this important issue.

While the Hawaii State Teachers Association did not do a mass request through the NCO, it too requested an addition to the agenda. Now we will have both sides attending to discuss the pros and cons of this issue.

This is what the neighborhood board system is all about, and I appreciate that our unions and elected officials see the value of the boards.

Kathleen Pahinui

Waialua

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