2021-09-23 Redistricting Commission minutes (3rd Session)

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community, over 600 homes were destroyed as part of the eruption. Many folks had to relocate in other parts of Puna, our island, and even kind of off-island as well. I can speak to the roads but I unfortunately, I cannot speak to how individual households may have been counted in the census. Including some of those households who are still accessing their isolated properties in the Kapoho area. BATH: Thank you. That’s understandable. KOSSOW: Is there any other questions for Mr. Le? Mr. Hustace. HUSTACE: Thank you, Mr. Le. Really just a follow up, and you may not be able to answer this. I think some of us are driving at the point of understanding, and better understanding, impacts of the area, how people were counted, how the census blocks may have changed in that area based upon the change of geographic boundaries, and road boundaries. So, I guess, any sort of information to enlighten us would help. LE: To the extent that I can help to answer that question, I’m not aware of the Census Bureau adjusting any of the census tracts or the boundaries of the block groups as a result of the 2018 eruption. I could work with the Clerk’s Office staff supporting this Commission to look into the issue. It is data I look at often in the performance of my duties. I can speak to the road situation in terms of the deliberations of the Commission and our broader communities are really grappling with. The major public arteries that service lower Puna that were impacted by the eruption, Highway 132 has been restored as of November 2019. Portions of Highway 137, the Red Road by MacKenzie and Isaac Hale Beach Park, were also restored shortly after the end of the eruption on a temporary basis. Our County’s next steps are to restore Pohoiki Road, and particularly the upper inundated portion. Also, Highway 137 from Four Corners at the Kapoho area, down to Isaac Hale Beach Park. We know that these are pretty significant points of circulation for our community members. There are critical for emergency evacuation purposes when those needs arise. I also understand that they are pretty significant geographic markers in terms of the work that’s before the Commission. So, we are working to restore these public roads, if that’s helpful. HUSTACE: Thank you, Mr. Le. KOSSOW: Commissioners, any other questions for Mr. Le? (No response.) Okay. Thank you, Mr. Le. We appreciate you coming in. At this time, Commissioners, may I have a motion to close Item 1 of unfinished business and a second? Ms. Bath moved to close Item 1. Seconded by Ms. Lui. HUSTACE: I have a question, Chair. If you don’t mind. Just a comment on that since we have a motion on the floor. Do we need to update Commissioners on the incarcerated status of individuals for this item? 7