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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> DATE: February 1, 2011 Re: Comm. 67/Bill 18 <br /> PLACE: Councilroom <br /> Hilo, Hawai i <br /> TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Relations, to which was referred Comm. 67 (Bill 18) reports <br /> as follows: <br /> Bill 18, transmitted by Councilmember Brenda Ford, via Communication No. 67, dated <br /> January 18, 2011, recommends to establish a new chapter relating to redistricting, which expands <br /> the criteria and requirements for redistricting. <br /> Councilmember Ford stated that the bill will supplement the County Charter. It has a large <br /> definition section and a training component. It establishes additional criteria that has been <br /> affirmed by the US Supreme Court and made law through case precedent. <br /> Councilmember Ikeda voiced his concern over the ability of five people to be able to amend the <br /> County Charter. He feels this should come before the public in a Charter Amendment. He then <br /> called Pat Nakamoto, Elections Program Administrator and Patrick Kahawaiola`a, former <br /> Reapportionment Commissioner, to help define the census process. <br /> Ms. Nakamoto stated that census population information is not available until the next year. <br /> This becomes problematic when trying to exclude segments of the population, i.e. military and <br /> students. The problem is that we don't know where these people live as a matter of permanent <br /> address. <br /> Councilmember Ford stated that there must be a final written report that explains how the plan <br /> was created, explain what criteria deviated from the plan and explain what criteria was added. In <br /> following the computerized program provided by the State there are two downloads. One is the <br /> total population and the second is the non - resident military dependents and non - resident <br /> students. The permanent resident population is used to develop the plan. This bill establishes <br /> additional criteria that needs to be incorporated into a plan. <br /> Councilmember Yoshimoto asked where the information in the pamphlet came from. In <br /> addition, he suggested the term "bizarre" be defined to remove subjectivity. The intent of this <br /> bill is good and helpful to the process. He is concerned how the language may be interpreted. <br /> GRC Rept. No. 1 <br />