HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GRC 001 02/01/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: February 1, 2011 Re: Comm. 67/Bill 18
PLACE: Councilroom
Hilo, Hawai i
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Relations, to which was referred Comm. 67 (Bill 18) reports
as follows:
Bill 18, transmitted by Councilmember Brenda Ford, via Communication No. 67, dated
January 18, 2011, recommends to establish a new chapter relating to redistricting, which expands
the criteria and requirements for redistricting.
Councilmember Ford stated that the bill will supplement the County Charter. It has a large
definition section and a training component. It establishes additional criteria that has been
affirmed by the US Supreme Court and made law through case precedent.
Councilmember Ikeda voiced his concern over the ability of five people to be able to amend the
County Charter. He feels this should come before the public in a Charter Amendment. He then
called Pat Nakamoto, Elections Program Administrator and Patrick Kahawaiola`a, former
Reapportionment Commissioner, to help define the census process.
Ms. Nakamoto stated that census population information is not available until the next year.
This becomes problematic when trying to exclude segments of the population, i.e. military and
students. The problem is that we don't know where these people live as a matter of permanent
address.
Councilmember Ford stated that there must be a final written report that explains how the plan
was created, explain what criteria deviated from the plan and explain what criteria was added. In
following the computerized program provided by the State there are two downloads. One is the
total population and the second is the non - resident military dependents and non - resident
students. The permanent resident population is used to develop the plan. This bill establishes
additional criteria that needs to be incorporated into a plan.
Councilmember Yoshimoto asked where the information in the pamphlet came from. In
addition, he suggested the term "bizarre" be defined to remove subjectivity. The intent of this
bill is good and helpful to the process. He is concerned how the language may be interpreted.
GRC Rept. No. 1
CRC -1 Page 2 Comm. 67/ Bill 18
Councilmember Hoffman asked Corp. Counsel Mr. Lincoln Ashida if he knew of anything that
should be clarified. Mr. Ashida stated that his office has not had time to review the bill.
Councilmember Hoffman asked Mr. Ashida to clarify, during their review, the concept of
excluding military personnel for this purpose. Mr. Ashida is uncertain that this can be done in
the manner brought in this legislation.
Councilmember Smart stated that she had read the pamphlet and appreciated the knowledge.
This bill takes that information and helps our commissioners in establishing the best plan they
can. She does not see anything detrimental in this bill and is in fairness and supports the
measure.
Councilmember Yagong stated that he saw no detriment in the bill and does not see any political
concerns. It is purely to provide clarity.
Councilmember Ford designed the bill to be in conformance with law and to be fair. Adding
clarity serves to help everyone understand and apply fairly.
For informational purposes, Councilmember J Yoshimoto voted "kanalua" twice.
Your Committee is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 18 and recommends its passage
on first reading.
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AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
HOFFMANN X RELATIONS
IKEDA X ,
,f
ONISHI X
PILAGO X
SMART x K. ANGEL MLAGO, CHAIR
YAGONG X GRC REPORT NO. 1
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: FES 16 2011