Voters Embrace Construction Bond Measure Backed By Unions
Led by the Carpenters Union, supporters pumped millions of dollars into TV ads, social media, and mailers urging voters to back new bonds for roads, bridges, and pipelines.
Voters overwhelmingly favored two proposed constitutional amendments:
- Question 1 regarding judges passed with 58.2% to 41.8%.
- Question 2 on bonds sailed through with 62.2% to 37.7%.
Unions and business groups had spent over $2.8 million on radio, TV, and print materials to persuade voters to approve Question 2. The campaign was led by RISE Together Hawaii, primarily funded by the Hawaii Carpenters Market Recovery Program Fund and other organizations.
Question 2 aimed to amend the state constitution to allow counties to issue resilient infrastructure bonds for targeted districts. These bonds, used in 48 other states, facilitate infrastructure improvements by using tax-increment financing.
Proponents argued that the bonds could lower housing costs along the Honolulu Skyline rail line by shifting the financial burden from developers to counties. They also suggested they could upgrade existing roads, bridges, and utilities.
Opponents claimed the bonds would force all residents to pay higher property taxes for additional services in booming areas. However, proponents countered that this issue could be easily addressed by setting aside a portion of the tax increment for district services.
Question 1 was a simpler proposal, extending the Senate's time to consider judicial appointments from 30 to 60 days after the governor's nomination. Currently, appointments made during the part-time Legislature require a special session for consideration.
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