2021-12-09 Redistricting Commission minutes (9th Session)

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you know, there are probably fifty (50) or more census blocks that we could all have concern about or have some idea that need to be adjusted or changed. So, I want to welcome your feedback into this. So, if when you have a moment, take a look at this. I would appreciate any sort of other assistance or guidance or if I've missed one, or if you think one is okay, I think we should have those conversations. But it's there for you to review. Thank you, everyone. KOSSOW: Thank you, Mr. Hustace. And thank you for all that work that you did. I know it probably can be a little bit tedious. Mr. Kauka,please go ahead and read new business number 2 into the record. KAUKA: New business number: 2. Discussion on amount of council districts Article III, Section 3-2 of the Hawaii County Charter states that there "shall be nine council districts, each of which shall be represented by a resident elected from that district." Commissioners may discuss this section and consider submitting a recommendation to appropriate entities or individuals that would propose any legislative amendments. KOSSOW: Alright, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Kauka. This item here is in regards to communications that we have received in the last,probably about, three meetings ago. I wanted to open this up for discussion. Kind of the process we'd have to go through the County Council in order for it to become a Charter amendment to be put on the ballot. But it would be if the Commission is open to request or to make sort of changes within the County Charter, this would be the moment to do it. Any discussion? Mr. Lopez. LOPEZ: Yes. I don't think that this Commission has the information to propose additional districts or where they should be. Certainly, we can sympathize and empathize with the testimony, but we don't have the power of course to do anything like this. What I think this really is, should be, if there was enough concern about it over the last ten years, a grassroots efforts within the districts where this is really strongly coming from, by going to the Council Member for that district and lobbying for introduction of legislation to propose changes to the County Charter. For us, I think it's—we're stepping outside our purview and I would suggest that it's better done from grassroots through the Council that has the issue. Thank you. KOSSOW: Thank you, Mr. Lopez. Any other discussion? HUSTACE: Chair? KOSSOW: Mr. Hustace? HUSTACE: I just had a question. Thank you, Mr. Lopez, for those thoughts on that. I appreciate that. I just had a question. When we're looking at, and doesn't have to have an answer to this, and just something to think about. When we look at representation, and 11