There are many reasons that the state should call its first constitutional convention in more than three decades. But the most compelling one is this: It brings government closer to the governed, providing an on-ramp for delegates to become politically active without a politician's usual trappings.

As lieutenant governor, James "Duke" Aiona has the power to put the question on the next election ballot, and he has pledged to do so.

Good. Now it's important for voters to understand why it's in their best interest to mark the "yes" box. If voters endorse the idea, the convention would be held in 2010.

Aiona suggested that this could be the time to restructure the state's educational system as well as add mandates to protect natural resources and ensure governmental accountability.

A ConCon also has the effect of bringing new blood into the political process. Launching new political careers is an important side benefit, considering how many seats in the last election went unchallenged.

But the greater attraction is that a convention enables governmental changes to be made that are less controlled by the political establishment. At the very least, discussion of controversial issues can be made without fears of repercussions to re-election campaigns.

For example, campaign finance reform efforts, frustrated by the legislative process, might stand a better chance of success at a convention.

Additionally, an external body could be authorized to have oversight of ethical breaches in the legislative branch.

Some Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees and other elected officials are worried that a ConCon would give opponents of native rights the opening to curb or dismantle all vestiges of governance for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

But this fear should motivate the community to become involved in the process, as OHA now is urging.

And if voters see that their ideas for change have a chance of bubbling to the surface, that may re-energize an electorate that too often shrugs off voting and other civic duties. Hawai'i, a state with abysmal voter turnout, needs to apply every means at its disposal to turn that around.

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