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into this so far. You don't need to hear the same thing that I had indicated before, but I
<br />would just like to remind you as you push on with the plans that are before the
<br />Commission, that the concepts that we talked about before, I think are still important. We
<br />look at the idea of what is best for the most number of people in any part of our island. We
<br />don't solve a problem, as I see it, by trying to resolve a small issue, and then put a larger
<br />community; or a larger portion of the community at risk. Clearly, it has to be whatever is
<br />best for the most people. And I realize that that isn't an easy job, but I do salute the efforts
<br />that the Commission has taken up to this time. I also indicated in my last testimony, and I
<br />want to reiterate it again; there is an idea of a perception on the part of the general residents
<br />of this community, this council, this administration; regardless of how we look at it, the
<br />credibility that we have in this political process, and redistricting is a political process,
<br />regardless of how we try to resolve the issues that are before us. The perception remains in
<br />the community that we need to do a better job of making sure that the plans that we put
<br />forward are fair; but really represent the best interests of most people on our island.
<br />It is our responsibilities either as an elected official, or as an appointed official, to make
<br />certain that those perceptions, if they do exist in the community, are at least eliminated or
<br />reduced to the best degree possible. I recognize that can't be done in each and every
<br />instance, but I do salute the efforts that many members, both in the community as well as
<br />on the Commission, have put forward that reduce the perception that there is some type of a
<br />process on going that continues, in some way shape or form, to provide redistricting on the
<br />basis of the traditional way that it has been done over the past ten, twenty, or thirty years. I
<br />ask that you remember, Commissioners, that whatever we do as elected officials or
<br />appointed officials, to reduce that perception of unfairness, to reduce the perception that
<br />politics plays a most key point in these particular issues. Whatever we can do to eliminate
<br />or reduce that, I think is most important for each and every one of us as we look ahead.
<br />Please remember, the credibility that we have in County government begins with you for
<br />the next ten years. You provide the redistricting efforts, the framework, for how politics
<br />will be played out in the County over the next ten years. I recommend that we do whatever
<br />is possible to make certain that we have a solid foundation that addresses the best interests
<br />of the people of this island in whatever way we can. Reduce that perception, come up with
<br />a plan that is at least as fair as you possibly can, and you will be doing not only a great
<br />service, as far as the administration is concerned, but for all residents of this island as we
<br />move forward.
<br />Thank you again for the time and effort and I do appreciate, personally, individually, and
<br />on behalf of the residents and constituents in the ninth district, I absolutely give you my
<br />best wishes. Thank you.
<br />CHR. SIRACUSA: Thank you. Okay, let the record show that Commissioner Kahui
<br />arrived at the Kona location at 10:30 a.m. Greetings, Bo. Let's take someone from
<br />Waimea.
<br />MS. HANANO: Thank you Madam Chair, the next person to testify here is Stephanie
<br />Stearns, and she is representing the Waikoloa Senior Center, and she is speaking in support
<br />of Plan B, opposing Plan A, and commenting.
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