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County redistricting process almost complete

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

The county map that delineates the island’s nine council districts is close to complete.

After 10 public hearings, the commission is set to vote on the final map at next week’s regular meeting.

Final public testimony will be accepted at that meeting – 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Hilo.

The nine commissioners, appointed by Mayor Billy Kenoi, then will file their report with the county clerk ahead of the Dec. 31 deadline.

The final report will include a listing of each Census tract/block and a detailed written description of the district boundaries.

A handful of residents testified at the last two public hearings on Monday in Kona and Tuesday in Hilo.

Most praised the commissioners for their hard work and fairness during the process, although some voiced concern about district lines in Pahoa, Volcano and Hilo.

Based on the 2010 Census numbers, the target population for each district is 20,462 residents. The favored map shows council districts ranging between 19,112 in the south Hilo district and 21,428 in Ka‘u.

The redistricting process is mandated every 10 years, following the federal Census.

This year’s commissioners, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the County Council, include:

* Joseph Carvalho
* Patrick Kahawaiolaa
* Craig “Bo” Kahui
* Dru Mamo Kanuha
* Jeffrey Melrose
* John “Mike” Middlesworth
* Valerie Poindexter
* Rene Siracusa
* Linda Ugalde

The maps are available for review at: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/council/reapp/index.htm

Click on the folder / link titled: COMMISSION’S DRAFT PLAN 11.10.11

You can zoom in on these maps to see clearly the street names and other identifiable geography.

Council Districts, 2001-2011

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