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I think that it will serve the county better <br /> than any other makeup for both East and West Hawaii. We have <br /> had a lot of debate from people who are in favor of a 5-4. <br /> Last week we had people here who spoke in favor of the 5-4. <br /> Mr. Santos stated the 5-2 or the 5-4. I think that ' s good <br /> reason to support this amendment. <br /> CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Any other discussion? . <br /> MR. ISHIDA: Mr. Chairman. I 'd like to just <br /> state again in support of this 5-4 plan. I don 't want to <br /> again just reiterate what has earlier been stated in our <br /> commission discussions. However, briefly, I would just like <br /> to state that we've been going over this many, many times <br /> all the options that were presented to the commission, in our <br /> attempt to present what we felt to be best, to the citizens <br /> of the county. <br /> We had originally indicated that possibly we <br /> should have some options presented to them. However, in view <br /> of the fact that we are unable to do that, we have to decide <br /> at least on one plan to be presented to the citizens and, of <br /> course, today we will have to decide which one that will be. <br /> There have been many arguments for and against <br /> each of the plans. I cannot state that any of the arguments <br /> that have been presented are totally inapplicable and erroneous. <br /> The arguments in support of each have some merit, I must add. <br /> They have been based upon certain arguments and presentations <br /> that were made during our public hearings. <br /> I would just like to indicate that the major <br /> alternatives to the 5-4 plan, apparently, are what we have <br /> classified to be the 5-2 and the 9 single member. <br /> I would just like to indicate to all of you that as <br /> far as the 5-2 is concerned , I think the basis was to present a <br /> plan to the citizens whereby there has been much in the way of <br /> requests and arguments in behalf of more local representation. <br /> Consequently, this is why I believe the commission desired to have <br /> at least a limited form of local representation. This is why we <br /> decided to have at least five. Then the 2 at-large was decided <br /> upon in view of the fact, I think, there was a sizeable portion <br /> of people as far as this island is concerned who felt that at- <br /> large candidates would be more beneficial. <br /> The only thing that I have as far as that is <br /> concerned, is that I cannot really quarrel whether seven should <br /> be a good number or nine, but, I think, if we are to make the <br /> 5-2 a workable kind of situation--or what I refer to as the seven <br /> member council to be workable--then I think the breakdown should <br /> be a 4-3 type of situation. I cannot see how 5-2 would be <br /> workable. Mainly because as I had indicated, which is in accord <br /> with my feelings of a 5-4, that each electorate will be able to <br /> vote for a majority of county council members in that type of <br /> makeup. <br /> -4- <br />