Comm. 060 - 2021-12-16 (testimony) Barfield, Gay: County Council Boundary Changes

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We are very disappointed, and perplexed, by the new district alignment as shown in the current plan for several reasons, above and beyond those stated above, which still stand for us. One is that we see no sense of community connection with Kau and the South Kona areas and their own unique needs as very rural and less populated and isolated areas. Nor do we see that in the future. Two, we have never, nor would we ever consider those areas as our neighborhood shopping and sustainability venues, due to distance and vast differences in needs and population concerns, or even ecological and environmental concerns. Thirdly, a Council rep having to meet these vastly different concerns would carry a very difficult challenge and burden in attempting to do so fairly, or in being elected to do so in the first place. Fourthly, the issue of dividing this current district 5 in half right across Highway 11, and making it a district that splits several communities above right down the middle, into TWO new districts, one for the Mauka and the other for the Makai tracts and communities seems rather illogical.Splitting them right down the middle, as if crossing a street puts one in another District, makes no logical sense that I can determine. While I personally do not have a current precise decision that seems more realistic, I believe my husband has an idea about keeping the voting numbers balanced and voting more appropriate, that could be considered. I do feel that from Volcano down to Keaau shopping areas seems to be a much more appropriate splitting, to include BOTH sides of the highway. While we are unable to attend the meeting this evening, please consider this input as you meet. These decisions will have as you so well know, very significant long term ripples on all of Hawaii Island. We hope you are open to reconsiderations still. With aloha and appreciation - Gay Barfield Gay Barfield, Ph.D., Lic. MFT Cell: Home: From: System Administrator Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2021 4:12 PM To: Gay Barfield Subject: Undeliverable: TESTIMONY RE County Council BOUNDARY CHANGES Your message did not reach some or all of the intended recipients. Subject: TESTIMONY RE County Council BOUNDARY CHANGES Sent: 12/16/2021 4:12 PM The following recipient(s) cannot be reached: 'redistrictingcommission@hawaiicouniy.gov' on 12/16/2021 4:12 PM 550 5.1.1 <redistrictingcommission@hawaiicouniy.gov> Recipient address rejected: User does not exist. N