Neighborhood boards promote civic engagement

All political power in the state of Hawaii is inherent in the people, and the responsibility and opportunity for the exercise of this power rests with the residents.

The state Legislature recognized the power of local government and decentralized decision-making when it created counties as political subdivisions. The counties all subsequently adopted charters for their own self-government.

On Oahu, our charter declares: "All city powers shall be used to serve and advance the general welfare, health, happiness, safety and aspirations of its inhabitants, present and future, and to encourage their full participation in the process of governance."

The City and County of Honolulu mandates neighborhood boards on Oahu to utilize these self-governing powers by actively participating in the functions and processes of government.

Richard Borreca highlighted neighborhood board meetings in his recent column on Rep. Calvin Say ("Where Calvin Say lives is a big deal — for some," Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Feb. 8). Borreca made this essential point: "You want to be represented by legislators who know your district and its needs and problems."

Under the charter’s mandate, each of the 33 boards across Oahu advocate for solutions to both local and island-wide issues and concerns. Therefore, monthly neighborhood board meeting agendas and actions in your neighborhood should reflect the needs, wants and interests of the communities and families they represent.

In addition, many neighborhood boards choose to have their meetings recorded and aired on ‘Olelo Public Access Television and online (www.olelo.org).

The powers, duties and functions of neighborhood boards include:

» Assuring effective citizen participation in the decisions of government by providing opportunities to communicate input to the appropriate persons and agencies.

» Initiating, reviewing and making recommendations concerning any Oahu General Plan, Sustainable Communities Plan, zoning change and other land use issues within the city.

» Identifying, prioritizing and making recommendations concerning any government capital improve- ments.

» Assisting with evaluations of the efficiency and effectiveness of government services and programs.

» Encouraging understanding of the decision-making processes of government.

» Promoting neighborhood boards as public forums on community and governmental issues.

Each neighborhood board typically has 10 to 15 elected members. This year, candidates must file to run by Feb. 20 for a two-year term. Residents who registered to vote in the 2014 general election are automatically eligible to vote in their 2015 neighborhood board elections.

Those who didn’t registered for the general election can register for the neighborhood board elections by submitting a Voter Registration Form to the Neighborhood Commission Office. Voting will take place online from April 24 to May 15; see more at www.honolulu.gov/nco or call the Neighborhood Commission Office at 768-3717.

Oahu’s neighborhood board system is the only government-endorsed and -supported civic engagement system in the state of Hawaii.

It helps assure that you have a mechanism for electing people to represent you in local government who know your specific neighborhood as well as its needs and problems.

Neighborhood boards also make sure there is a regular neighborhood forum for legislators and other public decision-makers to be held accountable by your friends, family and neighbors for the efficiency and effectiveness of government services and programs.

Neighborhood boards present you and your neighbors the perfect opportunity to be heard and to do good.