Passing House and Senate Maps: New House District Goes West of Hawaii

The state’s Redistribution Commission stayed the course on Friday and finalized House and Senate electoral maps for the next decade, shaking complaints from residents of the island of Hawaii and Oahu, the alternative maps produced by citizens and even the threat of lawsuits in its 8-1 decision.

The commissioners said they were confident the maps were constitutional because the state constitution sets out guidelines, not inflexible standards.

“They go through a long iteration of considering the best available data we’ve received,” said commissioner Cal Chipchase, “and responding to community concerns and questions where possible.”

But many witnesses were unhappy with the final products and, in renewed efforts after months of meetings, urged the commission to revisit alternative maps produced by citizens.

“A number of concerned citizens are ready to take legal action,” said Puna resident Ralph Boyea, who had prepared an alternative map putting the newly added House neighborhood in Puna, rather than North Kohala, where the commission put it.

“If you vote yes to the proposed cards, you are guaranteed a legal challenge,” added Honolulu resident Becky Gardner.

Sandy Ma, representing Common Cause Hawaii, urged the commission to reject their cards.

“The final proposed maps do not take into account community concerns or testimonies and still divide communities of interest,” Ma said.

On the Big Island, Waikoloa residents have joined their Puna counterparts in demanding a different distribution of districts.

The map, which adds the new House District 8, places it in West Hawaii, rather than Puna. The Big Island secured an eighth House seat at the expense of Oahu earlier this month after military and nonresident student counts came in higher than expected.

“It is essential that the Waikoloa Beach and Waikoloa Village areas be represented by one district – we need state leaders who can holistically address the specific needs of our district and understand the unique set of challenges , opportunities and challenges for the area that includes Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa Beach Resort and the adjacent Mauna Lani Resort “territory,” Jessica Kiech said in written testimony.

“This area shares common concerns with water, sewage, environment, beach and park access, roads and highways and other infrastructure requirements like police, fire and schools to grow with a growing community. And these problems are unique and different from those encountered in a more developed region of Kona to the south.

Witnesses from Puna were also unhappy.

“Puna and Hilo are not in the same district. It’s like putting a strip club next to Disneyland,” Desiree Douglas said. “Puna is the countryside, agriculture, solar energy, animals and gardens. Hilo is a city. Shopping centers, businesses, industrial areas. … This is really, really stupid.

The only negative vote came from Commissioner Robin Kennedy, who wanted the maps to be voted on by the House and Senate and by island unit rather than the entire plan with a single vote.

“I support some but oppose others,” Kennedy said. “I understand it’s an impossible situation, but there are so many community voices that don’t support it.”

But commission chairman Mark Mugiishi said the plan needed to be passed in full so the state elections office could begin the process of preparing district maps in time for the start of candidate qualifying. on March 1.

“Since our elections are statewide – we don’t have elections on different days island by island, I don’t think we can separate the approval process island by island,” said Mugiishi. “The elections must take place all together.”

Email Nancy Cook Lauer at [email protected]