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The motion to close file on COMM. 38 regarding setting the dates for Redistricting Commission meetings through the rest of the year was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Commissioners Carvalho, Kahawaiola` a, Kahui, Kanuha, Melrose, Middlesworth, Poindexter, Ugalde, and Chair Siracusa. Noes: None. Absent: None. COMM. 39: PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS From Commission Chair Rene Siracusa, dated September 1, 2011, requesting discussion on the procedure for conducting Public Hearings of the County of Hawaii Redistricting Commission. Mr. Kanuha moved to close file on COMM. 39. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter. CHR. SIRACUSA: Mike, do you want to comment? MR. UDOVIC: I just have some comments. I know that during the course of these proceedings, the Commissioners expressed the desire to be able to have a dialogue of some sort with the testifiers at the public hearing. Although that is not a common practice, I think asking questions of the individuals is an acceptable practice. But, I think you have to limit the amount of time that people, for public hearings, are permitted to testify and to make sure that you don't get involved or engage in debates with people about whether or not this is a good procedure or not. But, asking questions to clarify something would probably be an acceptable practice, because you are trying to get their input to make sure that we get the most fair and the most reasonable plan that we can, taking into consideration all of the provisions in the County Charter as well as the legislation which was involved in that. I have communicated a little bit with Rene about some of these thoughts that I've had and I did some research in other areas where they have done this and given her some suggestions. I think she intends to draw up a script, so to speak, as to what she intends to tell the member of the public; this is what we are doing, these are the Commission members, one from each district, we are all here unpaid to do this, and we are asking your input about the various plans that are included. The other thing that I would caution you is that during public hearings you shouldn't be making decisions as a Commission. Your purpose in the public hearing is to gather input, to get input from the public and not to make those decisions. That is why you scheduled regular meetings after the public hearings. With those thoughts, I can continue to work with Rene and get some suggestions. She may be able to have a document ready for your review at your next meeting on September 23, 2011. Those are my thoughts on the matter. 15