(BIVN) – A panel debated the upcoming November ballot question, “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?”, during a forum in Hilo on Thursday night.

The pros and cons of the proposed constitutional amendment were discussed inside The Arc of Hilo Event Center during the free community event. Panelists taking a position against the amendment were Lisa Miura, the Administrator of the County of Hawai‘i Real Property Tax Division, and State Senator Gil Riviere. Panelists arguing in favor of the amendment were Corey Rosenlee, the President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and Deborah Zysman, the Executive Director of the Hawaii Children’s Action Network.

The forum was moderated by Sherry Bracken, Public Affairs Director of Mahalo Broadcasting and contributor to Hawaii Public Radio and Big Island Video News.

The event was sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Hawai‘i Island REALTORS®, Hawai‘i Island Contractors’ Association, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, Big Island Press Club, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, and Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference.