2021-09-09 Redistricting Commission minutes (2nd Session)

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The last thing I’d like to say at this point and time, is what happened in 2011. In 2011, an illegal plan was designed. I’m sorry. In 2001, an illegal plan was designed. A group of us challenged that plan because it went over 10 percent. Not much, but it violated the 10 percent rule, and so, we sued. We had to sue the County. We have to sue to get the Commission’s to do the right things. Of course, that Commission refused to do it. So, we took it to the local court, and then they said, “Oh, it doesn’t look too bad to me.” We took it to the State Supreme Court who admitted it was an illegal plan. They actually said those words, “It’s illegal, but it’s only,” and I quote, “a little bit illegal and so we’re gonna let it stand.” That little, tiny flaw in the plan cost Puna a second council seat that they deserved in 2001. For 10 years, until the 2011 Commission fixed the problem. It’s so important that you follow the rules and that you don’t deviate just because you want to deviate something when it’s not necessary. Puna was disenfranchised from having a second council seat and while that won’t happen this time, I give you that example as what can go wrong with a teensy-weensy little flaw. That’s not legal. I’d also like to have— KAUKA: Ms. Ford, excuse me, three minutes have passed. If you could, please summarize. FORD: Thank you very much. I want to kind of end this by thanking the Chairperson for allowing the public to ask questions as we go along so we don’t have to go all the way back to the beginning and drive everybody crazy. I really appreciate it and it’s going to be really important that we find out about those roads that have been covered by lava for the entire Commission, and for the public, as soon as possible ‘cause it is going to impact how we design some roads in the Puna area. Because it’s not about designing the roads on what was in past, or what will be in the future, for instance, is there going to get a new road or a highway? We’ve got to design this on what exists there today. So, it’s very important that those lava covered roads be identified. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you, Commissioners, and good luck. The last thing I want to say is, Commissioners, before you start taking these plans and just toss it from the pubic and tossing them out because you don’t like the way they look, start designing your own maps first, before you start looking at any of the public maps. Do your own, and you’ll find out how difficult it is. That’s number one. And, number two, you’re the only one representing your district, and you’re going to have to convince the other Commissioners to go along with you. So, please start doing this design work really fast. You’re going to have to spend a lot of time doing it, but it’s very important. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I yield. CHUCK FLAHERTY KAUKA: Thank you, Ms. Ford. Our next testifier is Mr. Chuck Flaherty, followed by Mr. Jacob Aki. Mr. Flaherty, you may begin. You may unmute yourself. FLAHERTY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can you hear me? 32