Our citizens are best suited to shape the future of our state, and that is why I support a constitutional convention.

We must do more to get the people of Hawai'i more directly involved in the democratic process. Hawai'i consistently ranks among the lowest nationally in voter turnout rates, and although the underlying reasons may differ, the bottom line is public participation is critical to representative government.

Rarely does an opportunity come for the public to impose such far-reaching change upon our system of government, and we should not pass it up.

The founders of our state recognized the importance of maintaining a living, evolving constitution when they incorporated a provision that calls for a constitutional convention every 10 years.

The constitution serves as the framework for our government, and a constitutional convention would provide the people of Hawai'i with the means to elect delegates for the purpose of updating and revising our existing state constitution.

Yet our young people, including my own children, have no recollection of the last constitutional convention. And the reason is the last one was held in 1978, nearly 30 years ago.

Our last constitutional convention in 1978 helped establish term limits for the governor and lieutenant governor, adopt the Hawaiian language as an official state language of Hawai'i, require an annual balanced budget and create the Judicial Selection Commission, among other significant developments.

The people of Hawai'i made these important decisions, and they can do it again.

The world has changed drastically in the nearly 30 years since we last held a constitutional convention, and it's time to take a fresh look at how our government operates in this very different world now and into the future.

We need to take a serious look at empowering our residents with the ability to place initiatives directly on the ballot.

Our local communities should have more say over the quality of their children's education and the type of services they receive.

Our use of natural resources and open space should be managed more efficiently so future generations can raise their children in the same Hawai'i in which we grew up.

Our energy needs must be met with innovative solutions that capitalize on Hawai'i's natural, sustainable environment.

Protecting agricultural lands, holding government accountable and expanding term limits should all be on the table.

We have only scratched the surface in identifying long-delayed constitutional reforms, and much work still needs to be done.

Convening a constitutional convention requires careful planning and consideration. And most importantly, the people of Hawai'i will need to be informed and involved.

The very nature of a constitutional convention requires greater public participation in government.

The public elects the delegates to convene a constitutional convention. And except for the governor and lieutenant governor, any resident of voting age is eligible to be a delegate.

That is true public participation.

Presenting the people of Hawai'i with the opportunity to convene a constitutional convention is my duty as a public servant.

If we really want to change and adapt, the time is now.

Our future is at stake — and your support for a constitutional convention will set the stage for a better, brighter tomorrow.

James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. is Hawai'i's lieutenant governor. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.

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