Council Testimony NEEDED re: Redistricting

[Rob Tucker]

I will move this to the Puna Politics section soon but for now this is too immediate and important for Puna to ignore.

A HUGE issue for Puna approaches. Redistricting, based on the 2010 census, will determine how Puna and all districts are represented on council for the next ten years.

It is generally felt that Puna got screwed last time and did not receive two full council seats, instead being set up with one full seat and two thumbnail seats.

We can get screwed again and I believe that serious attempts will be made to marginalize Puna in favor of Hilo.

Two full seats on council for Puna would be a BIG DEAL. A REALLY BIG DEAL.

So...

Brenda Ford is placing a bill at council which would tighten up and strengthen the redistricting process.

It is Bill 18 (Communication 40) on February 1 at 9 am in the Hilo Council Chambers.

This bill NEEDS Puna residents to testify in favor, in person if at all possible, or in writing.

I will post a full text of Bill 18, Communication 40 in the Puna Politics section.

TESTIFY

written testimony can be sent to: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us

Reference your support of Bill 18, Communication 40.

[Kapohocat]

Mailing Address for written testimony found here: http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/council/districts.htm

Dont know if email works in this case for testimony to be submitted directly to one of the council people. (Anyone know?)

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management 808 965-9261

Dakineworkers.com

[mikewj]

I logged on to the Council site which Kapohocat listed. I was rather dismayed to see that our Rep, Fred Blas, has not posted ANY biographical data. However, there is a full bio of Brittany Smart, so I guess it's just not a high priority for Mr. Blas?
I hope he is not a technophobe like Emily.. I wrote e-mails to Ms. Naole on numerous occasions during her term of office, and finally gave up as I never once received a reply.
Does anyone know who is Mr Blas' Administrative Assistant? Maybe that person can bring Mr Blas into this century. In an era of instant communication, I believe it is imperative that we the voters are kept fully informed as to our representatives' history (bio)and also have access to their thinking as to where they would like to lead the District.

[Rob Tucker]

The Council District 5 legislative assistant is Barbara Lively <blively@co.hawaii.hi.us>

Office phone # (808) 961-8267

[Rob Tucker]

This topic is a very important one for Puna. IF possible I would like to hear from people who will testify at council or that have sent in written testimony this next few days.

Mahalo

[jerry]

What does the bill say? Do you have a brief summary or a link to the bill?

Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com

[Rob Tucker]

The full text is posted in the Puna Politics section...

[Rob Tucker]

With this issue appearing at council committee on Tuesday...

Today is a good day to send in testimony in support of Bill 18, Communication 40

I encourage everyone to do so.

Send to: <counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us>

Subject line: In support of Bill 18, Communication 40

Minimal suggested message: Please vote in favor of Bill 18

[silverpenny10]

Done. Mahalo for simplifying for those of us who don't have a lot of time.

[Rob Tucker]

The Trib has an article on this subject today.

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/arti...ocal02.txt


I know it isn't a terribly sexy topic but it is terribly important to us all over the next decade.