A state House resolution asking the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the cost of a possible constitutional convention has caught the attention of the state Attorney General and some lawmakers who wonder whether it is politically motivated.

State House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell, D-24th (Mänoa, McCully), proposed the resolution so voters would have some idea of the cost when they vote in November whether to hold a convention. The LRB report would be due in September to give lawmakers and voters enough time to review the results.

“I think it’s really important to know how much a con-con is going to cost,” said Caldwell, who added he has not made up his mind about whether a convention is necessary.

But state Attorney General Mark Bennett and others question why the study would not look at all of the possible alternatives for a convention instead of just the most expensive.

A People’s Pulse winter poll found that the number of people who oppose a convention increased when the projected cost was higher. For example, 53 percent oppose a convention that would cost between $10 million and $15 million; 65 percent oppose a convention that would cost between $15 million and $19 million; and 75 percent oppose a convention that would cost $20 million or more.

Here’s how the resolution describes a convention for the LRB study:

(1) Convene not less than five months prior to the next regularly scheduled general election;

(2) Be held at a leased facility in Honolulu large enough to accommodate the general operations of the constitutional convention, including plenary sessions, large committee meetings, and informational sessions and to house offices for the delegates;

(3) Be likely to have one hundred two delegates;

(4) Require appropriate staff to ensure public input and facilitate operation of the constitutional convention; and

(5) Involve adequate compensation for both delegates and staff;

Bennett described it as the “Cadillac or Lamborghini of con-cons” and urged lawmakers to consider estimates involving fewer delegates, the use of public buildings, and government employees as staff. “It shouldn’t be prejudged,” he said.

State Rep. Della Au Belatti, D-25th (Tantalus, Makiki, McCully), said cost is an important factor and should be fully examined. She has an alternative resolution that would create a task force of administration officials and lawmakers to look into the cost of a convention.

“It would be unfortunate, I think, to be accused of playing politics,” Belatti said.

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Caldwell’s resolution this afternoon.