COMM. 48.20 from B. Kurokawa re Hamakua

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Aloha Karen, I would like to submit this testimony for consideration by the Redistricting Commission in the upcoming hearings. As a resident of Hamalcua, community volunteer serving as the chairperson of the Hamakua CDP steering committee (I am submitting this as an individual and not on behalf of the committee) and as an individual that strives to look holistically at the larger Hawaii island perspective, I would like to mahalo the commission for their efforts. It is indeed a challenging task at hand to divide our island into council districts to best represent our diverse communities. As you consider the various plans, I respectfully request that you simply reflect on the purpose of the redistricting effort and what framework you use to make your decisions. It is clear that the process is an unnatural one as you seek to balance population versus communities of interest and identity and create a fair representative governance structure. I believe it is important to maintain intact communities with established identities and common interest. This is particularly so in the case of the Hamakua district (from Waipio to the Wailulcu River) with its unique agricultural and rural identity defined by bioregional characteristics of rich soils, and abundant water. The district and its voice needs to remain intact and undiluted in the effort to reapportion boundaries according to population. As you consider Hamakua and other districts, please consider place and people, the physical qualities of the land and how they have shaped and influenced the communities that have evolved on the 'aina. Acknowledge the distinct communities and their unique and diverse qualities. With rapidly growing regions such as Puna and North Kona, please ensure that boundaries support equitable voice, thus fair representation while preserving and enhancing the special distinctness of the land and people who make up those communities.. For it is in this diversity that our island finds its strength and unity. Celebrate this and seek to reinforce this as you draw boundaries!!. Our communities applaud your efforts and trust that you will be guided by a strong sense of pono, for the people and our island 'aina. In gratitude and Aloha, Brad Kurokawa PO Box 402 Honomu, HI 96728 808 - 756 -7442 brad.kurokawa( email.com COMM. 48.20