Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui voters said “NO” to a proposed amendment that sought to increase council terms from two to four years.

The Charter Commission introduced the item, asking voters if the Charter should be amended to lengthen council terms from two to four years, with term limits of three consecutive terms.

The proposed amendment also sought staggered terms, with the initial higher vote-getters allowed an opportunity for three consecutive four year terms, or 12 consecutive years; and those winning candidates with lesser votes allotted an initial two-year term, and an opportunity for two subsequent four year terms if they get re-elected, for a total term limit of 10 consecutive years in office.

The final vote was 27,267 “no” votes (55.8%), and 16,001 “yes” votes (32.7%). A total of 5,557 voters left the question blank, and there were 43 over-votes on the amendment.

Results for other amendment questions on the 2012 general election ballot included the following:

• Dams and Reservoirs:  Yes 23,812; No 18,475
• Retired Judges: Yes 24,935; No 17,565
• Ocean Rescue and Safety: Yes 32,513; No 10,366
• County Auditor: Yes 26,566; No 13,962
• Interactive Communication: Yes 33,967; No 6,859
• Charter Revision Publication: Yes 31,682; No 8,122
• Council Residency Requirement: Yes 37,295; No 5,774
• Mayor Residency Requirement: Yes 39,274; No 4,715
• Environmental Management: Yes 32,377; No 9,136
• Annual Evaluation: Yes 33,274; No 7,269
• Preamble: Yes 30,384; No 10,579
• Unexpired Term: Yes 28,472; No 13,471