HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM. 53.7 from M. Wille re Final PlanMARGARET WILLE
Attorney at Law
6S -1316 Lihipali Road
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
margaretwille @mac.com
November 30, 20011
To: County of Hawaii Redistricting Commission
Re: Comments on Communications
Re: Comm 53.1 Chair Siracusa's revisions
I agree with Chair Siracusa's revisions that incorporates Keaau center into District 4,
rather than in District 3. I "played" with the other "Puna" option of instead switching this
Keaau area into District S. Putting Keaau into District S is possible to do, but I think
switching this area into District 4 is preferable. I here attach her plan with the addition of
the following minor suggested changes for District Boundary 8/9 line. [with the .Plan and
with screenshot of these Boundary 8/9 revisions.]
Re: Comm 53: Finalization of Commission's Plan
PROPOSED ADDITIONAL CHANGES
The following are minor changes that should made to the boundary between Districts 8 and
9 on whatever version is the FINAL PLAN:
1) Mauna Lani area. The current map splits Mauna Lani residential area, hence move the
two small Mauna Lani residential areas now in District 8 into District 9, with the rest of the
Mauna Lani community. The Mauna Lani Community Association expressed a preference
for being in District 9.
2) Western portion of Saddle Road. Revise Commission Plan slightly to maximize the
western portion of Saddle Road in District 8 (as opposed to District 9)BUT DO NOT switch
Waikii residential community from District 9 to District 8 (Note: there is no legal road
disconnectivity issue keeping Waikii in District 9).
NOTE: Do not change Pohakaloa Base along Saddle Road from District 8 to District 2.
Comm 53.2 Royce Jones and Comm 53.3 Brenda Ford's Suggestions
1. Agree with correction of disconnected islands - as all agree. The revisions suggested
here by Royce Jones are all included in the attached Plan that also incorporates the other
changes here suggested.
2. Brenda Ford suggests revising the plan so that all of the Western portion of Saddle Road
is in District 8 (rather than the the initial portion from Mamalahoa past Waikii being in
District 9. I agree in part: I agree with including as much of western portion of Saddle
Road as possible in District 8 -but only to extent that does not w switch Waikii community
out of District 9 and into District 8. Waikii community members want to be in District 9.
There is a small road along south edge of Waikii road that connects Saddle Road to
Mamalahoa Highway - so as to provide legal road connectivity. When the final leg of
realigned Saddle Road is constructed (to be located south of Waikii community) that will
provide the likely District Boundary when the next census revisions are undertaken. That
modified change is included in the attached revised .Plan
COMM. 53.7
3. Kealakekua Bay. There are pros and cons either way. I personally would leave the
Commission Plan as it is now, but I understand Brenda Ford's concern.
The question is whether to include the conservation district and the Hokulia Shoreline Park
in District 6 or District 7. Brenda Ford suggests this census block should be in District 6 so
that the Kealakekua State Park and surrounding conservation area is all within District 6.
Unfortunately this census block also includes the Shoreline Park area and golf course area
of Hokulia residential development makai of the residential areas. I suggest that this
community would naturally want its park area in the same District. I also don't have a
problem with two council district representatives have responsibility for the Kealakekua
Bay State Park Area. (no residences there). Some consideration should be given to the
alternative of moving a significant portion of Hokulia Development into District 6, (as
Commissioner Middlesworth has suggested), but that would still split this Hokulia
development into two Districts). Minor adjustment: keep the small "appendage" of Hokulia
development that protruded into District 6, in District 7 - as it appears to be part of the
improved area of this development and does not need to be sliced off into District 6. There
may well be residences developed there over the next decade. That adjustment is included
in the attached revised .Plan.
Comm 54: Renaming of New Council Districts
I agree with the sentiment of Chair Sirausa's communication concerning renaming
Districts to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. To that end:
-- Suggest that District 1 be called "East Waimea/ Hamakua /North Hilo District 1"
(rather than being called "the Hamakua District ")
-- Suggest that District 6 be called "Volcano/Kau/South Kona" District 6 (rather than being
called "the Ka'u District ").
These two revised District names starts by naming the area /community that preferred to
be switched from their current District to another District, but which were not moved in
order to ensure overall regional fairness of the final Plan (ensure the rural "Hamakua"
District 1 has its own independent District representative)
Comm 55: Discussion regarding Final Report and Comm. 55.1 Re: Potential Topics for
Final Narrative Report
I agree there should be a discussion of potential topics for the Final Narrative
Report and all of the topics included in Chair Siracusa's Communication list are
appropriate. My general thoughts are as follows:
1. I would start the Narrative with policy issues and leave the more technical issues to the
end (often such narratives will put the technical issues first - however those are of least
interest to the general public.
2. Each Commissioner should be responsible to list the problems encountered relating to
their District, including listing any census blocks that were problematic or too large - in
their District or immediately surrounding their District lines.
For example along the District 6/7 boundary, the shoreline census block should be split so
that the Hokulia Community Shoreline Park is separate from the Conservation Area
associated with Kealakekua Bay Park. Also the 751 resident Kealakekua census block
mauka of the Belt Road is too large.
3. I also suggest some policy considerations to include (separately attached).
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