CHC 1979-06-19 SUBCOMMITTEE - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: Okay. How about six? No problems there? Seven? MRS. KOBAYASHI : What does it mean when it says, as nearly as possible, represent a similar number of persons? The present representative districts are not drawn like that. MR. OMONAKA: Would it be safe to just say, as required by law? CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: Another thing, too, you know, I have a question here. . .The way it is drafted now doesn ' t it somewhat restrict it so that it has to be a single member district? In other words , the present two in District 2, will not be allowed under this provision. MR. ODA: If this is too restrictive, after the words "when necessary" as suggested , "according to law" and then, "based upon the most recent federal census. " Delete "in such manner that each councilman would , as nearly as possible, represent a similar number of persons as in every other district in the county. " MRS. KOBAYASHI : How would it read? MR. ODA: "The commission may apportion the existing council seats among the districts and redraw the district lines where and when necessary according to law,based upon the most recent federal census. " In other words , using the federal census as the guide. CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: A technical question , the word "may"? The commission may. Does the use of that word there infer that they need not do it? Do any apportionment? MR. ODA: You mean no need to change? CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: What I am saying is , assuming the census clearly shows a shift in population center on this island , does it require, does this provision as it is written require the commission to make an apportionment? Or can it say, no we don ' t want to make any change? MR. ODA: Well , I think it is implied that they have to. You want to use the word, shall? No big deal . CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: I don ' t know whether shall puts us in trouble or not. MR. ODA: On the other hand, shall mandates a change. CHAIRMAN ISHIDA: I know. -13-