On September 16th COS Hawai'i Commissioners Brett Kulbis and Jason Horstman traveled overnight to Comfort, TX for the first Convention of States Grassroots Article V Experience held at the Patriot Academy.
State Commissioners from across the country gathered to participate in a simulated Article V Convention just like their legislators did in 2019 and 2023.
Day 1 (September 17th) began with commissioner registration, seating assignment by State in a mock up of the Texas State House Chamber, and an orientation conducted by Mark Meckler and Rick Green. The day ended with a Welcome BBQ and flyover by WWII fighter planes as part of the Constitution Week Celebration.
Day 2 (September 18th) started with the opening remarks from Colonel George Mason. This was followed by the Call to Order of the Convention and committee assignments. Commissioner Kulbis was assigned to the Federal Legislative and Executive Jurisdiction Committee, and Commissioner Horstman was assigned to the Fiscal Restraints Committee. Then the commissioners broke out into their committee assignments to debate on the 42 grassroots amendments submitted in advance of the convention.
Commissioner Kulbis present Constitutional Amendment Proposal 13 to committee.
Day 3 (September 19th) opened with a presentation by Benjamin Franklin, followed by the call to order of the Plenary Session (committee of the whole) to debate and vote on the 12 proposed amendments passed out of the committees. In the spirit of Aloha, Team Hawai'i presented each commissioner with small pack of Mauna Loa macademia nuts, which were placed on each commissioner's desk. They were a big hit!
Following Adjournment Sine Die, the commissioners were treated to another BBQ dinner. This was followed by the closing ceremonies which included presentation of the "Colonel George Mason Commissioner Award" and a commemorative challenge coin.
Commissioners also signed a replica of the Bill of Rights which will be hung at the Patriot Academy.
"Well worth the trip and excited to see what The Patriot Academy and COS can accomplish working together! I would highly recommend the Grassroots Article V Experience to anyone looking to further understand the political process or Article V of the Constitution." Commissioner Jason Horstman
"It was a wonderful event and it was a pleasure seeing old friends like Bud Cornwell and making new ones like Barry Newman. I always have a fun time at COS events." Commissioner Brett Kulbis
