Redistricting Final Draft

[punaticbychoice]

KeaauRich: Emily Naeole is in D-4 I believe.

[Rene Siracusa]

Robguz: Putting Kalapana in 4 would have given 4 so many numbers that HPP would have to be split. We had a lot of testimony against that. It also would have meant that Puna residents of Kea'au would have to be 'represented' by a Hilo councilperson. Since they would be a small population, that councilperson would not need their votes and could ignore their needs without compromising his voter base. The way it is shaping up now, Jay Yoshimoto and 'Fresh' Onishi will have to run against each other for District 3, as Hilo will only have 2 districts instead of the current 3. The commission did receive testimony that as the gateway to Puna (both Punas), Kea'au should itself be in Puna. Now it will be.

By the way, folks, the Nov. 30th meeting will be in the Hilo Council Chambers.

If you have not already seen it, check out the Big Island Weekly that came out yesterday. Alan McNarie has done a fine article (accurate, thorough, well-researched, etc.) entitled "Un-Screwing Puna" on pages 3-4.

[Rene Siracusa]

And oh yes, Emily lives in the new district 4, but I understand that she is considering a run for State House against her counsin Faye Hanohano. Rumor has it that she will be endorsing her friend Cherish (last name unknown)for council. Don't know where Cherish lives, so probably either 4 or 5.

[robguz]

Mahalo, Rene! Yeah the BIW article was very well done.

[Seeb]

does anyone have a link to the aproved map
the county redid their website and i cant find it

[Rene Siracusa]

Seeb: go to the county website (www.co.hawaii.hi.us) and on the far left of the home page, under Announcements, you will see Redistricting commission. Once you click on that the Final Plan will come up.

[Kapohocat]

Thanks for all who worked on this! My hats off to you for sticking with it. Of course, there will be issues but overall you all did a good job while maintaining the population balance.

[Rene Siracusa]

The Final Report is now up on the County website. See item 11 and Exhibit 8 for the recommendations of the commission as a whole and the commissioners individually. There are recommendations regarding the US Census Bureau, the software, the timeline, and the ordinance. It is hoped that these will make it easier to do a better job in the future.

The entire process was really interesting. I learned a lot and met a lot of really fine people. It was, however, also stressful and exhausting, and I'm glad it's over. Happy New Year to everyone in BOTH Puna Districts!

[Rob Tucker]

Mahalo Rene for your dedication and good service to Puna and the Big Island.

[macuu222]

Reapportionment plan rejected by high court! All I can say is...it's about time they voted on it!



http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/sect...court.html