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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm. 066 - 2021-12-21 Kauka: Outcomes of Recommendations from 2011 Redistricting Commisison COMMUNICATION 066 BRONSTEN-GLENN KOSSOWMEIZHU LUI DWAYNE YOSHINA Chairperson LEHUANANI AH NEE JENNIFER YADAO JAMES HUSTACE STEPHANIE BATH Vice Chairperson AINA AKAMU STEPHEN LOPEZ 2021 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION DATE:December 21, 2021 TO:Redistrictingcommissioners FROM:Dennis Kauka, Jr.,Commission staff C:Members of the Redistricting Commission SUBJECT: Outcomes of Recommendations from 2011 RedistrictingCommission The following are the outcomes identified fromthe four recommendations made within the 2011 Redistricting Commission report: 1. undertake a comprehensive review of problematic census blocks within each Council district and consider generally following roads and natural boundaries in developing census boundaries to be adopted prior to the 2020 census; According to the County Elections Division, their office forwarded the 20111 Commissions recommendations on problematic census blocks to the State Office of Elections,who would then work with the U.S. Censuson areview. No documentation was identified on the progress of those recommendations or a review. 2.Redistricting Software be made available as soon as possible to allow Commissioners more time to become familiar with the program. In that regard, the County might conside County; According to the County Elections Division, the 2011 Commission experienced a delay in access to redistricting software, due to aprolonged legal issue with the State Reapportionment Commission. TheCounty since worked to ensure thatthe contractor would provide the County Commission with the software toolin 2021, regardless of any adverse actions or lag at the State level. HawaOpportunityProvider and Employer Page 2 December 21, 2021 3. Non-resident students and non-resident military extraction numbers be provided as soon as possible to allow for accurate use of the software program; Steps were taken to ensure these numbers were made available as soon as possible for the 2021 Commission. 4. The 2011 Redistricting Commission found that overwhelming public input supported the lowest numerical deviation. Accordingly, the Commission recommends that the Edition, as amended), as follows: Delete Section 36-9(2), Alternate Plan Requirements, in its entirety as it places too much emphasis on the numerical deviations without consideration for other equally important criteria. The maximum council district deviation provided for in Section 36-6(a) be increased to 5.99% without changing the total deviation for the entire plan to allow the Commission flexibility to accommodate perceived community boundaries. Both amendments recommended by were made to Chapter 36 of the Code through Ordinance 18-98, which passed final reading of the Council unanimously on October 3, 2018. Bill 182 to enact these amendments was introduced by then-Council Member Eileen Ohara, who cited both the recommendations of the 2011 Commission and a discussion she had with past Chairperson René Siracusa in bringing the measure forward. (Council Committee report attached) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DATE: September 4, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 1034/Bill 182 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 1:07 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill 182, reports as follows: Bill 182, transmitted by Council Member Eileen O'Hara, dated September 4, 2018, amends Chapter 36, Article 1, Article 4, and Article 5, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to the maximum council district deviation in any redistricting plan. Council Member O'Hara moved to approve Bill 182 with Council Member Valerie Poindexter seconding the motion. Council Member O'Hara stated that discussion with Rene Siracusa, 2010 Chair of the Redistricting Commission,reflected problems that occurred during the 2010 redistricting committee and stated a 5.99 percent deviated change will help the next redistricting commission. The district deviation change is one of the recommendations that came from the 2010 Redistricting Commission. Committee members expressed their concerns, one of which being that if the deviation percent is changed either up or down, it will exceed the ten percent deviation cap amount. It will be very difficult to not exceed the ten percent deviation, but the commission is required to justify, each line drawn and will figure out where the give and take will occur. The main goal is to not divide communities. Your committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 182, and recommends its passage on first reading. (1w) AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X DAVID x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL EOFF x RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT KANUHA X LEE LOY X O'HARA X POINDEXTER x DRU MAMO KANUHA, CHAIR RICHARDS X GREDC REPORT NO. 9 RUGGLES x ADOPTED: SEP 1 9 2018