Hawaii voters face two constitutional amendments next month, and the big one would give counties a new way to borrow money to build housing infrastructure — good for builders and homebuyers, risky for taxpayers if projects flop.

• Question 2 would let counties issue RISE bonds to pay for roads, water pipes, and sewer lines needed before new homes can be built.
• The bonds get paid back out of the new property taxes the new housing creates, so no tax increase is on the ballot.
• Supporters call it the biggest change ever to how Hawaii funds public infrastructure, and say it only applies inside specific RISE districts.
• Opponents say counties can already do this with tax increment financing, and that taxpayers would have to cover the gap if a development does not generate enough revenue.
• The second amendment is smaller: it would double the time state senators get to review judge and justice appointments, from 30 days to 60, for picks made between April and December.

Outlook: Both questions go to voters statewide in 20 days; a yes on Question 2 only creates the tool, leaving the legislature and counties to write the rules and oversight.