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CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: Should we create the reapportion- <br /> ment commission , and upon, say, after 1980 , they do meet and <br /> come up with a reapportionment scheme, is their decision final <br /> and binding? <br /> MR. ODA: According to, let ' s say, for for an <br /> example, the Honolulu one says that on or before January 2nd <br /> of the year following appointment the commission shall file <br /> with the clerk, a reapportionment plan which shall become <br /> effective upon filing. It is not presented to the voters for <br /> approval. <br /> MR. OMONAKA: That is merely to set new lines in <br /> terms of population. <br /> MR. ODA: In terms of district lines, . not to set <br /> numbers. <br /> CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: In other words , should we come up <br /> with a 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 plan, the reapportionment commission would <br /> be restricted to 5 strict districts. <br /> MR. ODA: Their job is to draw the lines, not to <br /> create any additional positions or anything like that. <br /> MRS. KOBAYASHI : Does it say in the Honolulu Charter, <br /> for instance, what criteria they have to use? <br /> MR. ODA: This criteria that they have is just what <br /> is generally in the Constitution with regard to any other kind's <br /> of redistricting. These are mandated by Supreme Court decisions. <br /> MRS. KOBAYASHI : What if all of a sudden we find <br /> South Kohala is part of Hamakua2 If they have that kind of <br /> power. What if Hilo becomes part of Puna? <br /> MR. ODA: For example, Y it says here, ho district shall <br /> P <br /> be drawn so as to unduly favor a person or a political faction. <br /> Districts insofar as practical shall be continuous and compact. <br /> District lines shall, where possible, follow permanent and <br /> easily recognizable features and where practical shall coincide <br /> with census tract boundaries. <br /> MRS. KOBAYASHI : So, whatever we decide to put into <br /> the charter, they will follow that plan. <br /> MR. ODA: Yes. You would have to have some kind of <br /> criteria for the commission. <br /> MR. OMONAKA: Otherwise it becomes arbitrary. <br /> CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: Let ' s discuss the reapportionment <br /> commission, right now. Do I understand that everybody feels <br /> that we need one, anyway? It has got to be done. So just <br /> gearing it to the state' s position. . <br /> -12- <br />