Constitutional change of age requirement for office of Governor and Lt. Governor from 30 years to 25 years.

House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Waters, vice chair: Oshiro

Tuesday, February 6, 2007,

Testifier: Grace Furukawa, Representing the League of Women Voters of Hawaii

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Chair Waters and Members of the Judiciary, I speak in support of this Amendment to the Constitution. Saturday past, the League Board Passed a resolution in support of lowering the age requirement from 30 years to 25 years for the office of Governor and Lt. Governor. Our youth have not felt they are not taken seriously and this bill would let them know our appreciation of their place as an important generation. While watching the daily list of casualties from Iraq, I note how the majority are in the 20s age group. Certainly if they can go to war and die , they should be given an opportunity to have their voice heard and recognize our faith in them by supporting this bill. Everyone running for office must demonstrate their ability, experience and ideas. The public then, makes the final decision in the election. Thank you for considering this bill.