Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br /> DATE: March 8, 2012 Re: Comm. 587/Bill 192 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hawai`i County Building <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 3:44 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Relations,to which was referred Bill 192, reports as follows: <br /> Bill 192,transmitted by Council Member Pete Hoffmann via Communication No. 587, dated <br /> February 13, 2012,recommends a Bill for an Ordinance Initiating an Amendment to Article III, <br /> Section 3-17, of the Hawai`i County Charter(2010 Edition),Relating to the Redistricting <br /> Commission. <br /> Mr. Hoffmann stated that this Charter amendment would help the County's credibility with the <br /> public. He stated that voter turnout is less than 40%of the registered voters and there is an <br /> undertone of people who have lost faith in what government does. Mr. Hoffmann informed the <br /> Committee that the Honolulu Charter has similar restrictions placed on members of both the <br /> Redistricting and Reapportionment Commissions. The Charter amendment would allow voters <br /> to decide if members of the Redistricting Commission should be required to wait two years <br /> before running for County Council. <br /> Mr. Ikeda supported the intent of Bill 192 and asked why not require Commissioners to wait four <br /> years. He also wanted to see the effective date specified more clearly, and that it would not take <br /> effect for the upcoming election cycle. <br /> Mr. Hoffmann explained that the two-year provision is what the Honolulu Charter mandates. He <br /> further reiterated that this will only come about as a result of the vote in the 2012 General <br /> Election, so anyone elected to the Council would not be affected because it wouldn't apply until <br /> after the 2021 Redistricting Commission. <br /> Ms. Ford stated her support for Bill 192, adding the importance of preventing the perception of a <br /> Commissioner designing a district that would benefit them personally, as this would be <br /> considered gerrymandering. Ms. Ford agreed that there should be a start date on the Bill and <br /> recommends adding language"starting with the 2021 election cycle". <br /> GRC Report No. 13 <br />