HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo 12.14.21.pdf
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
BRONSON BAUTISTA, COMMISSIONER VIRGINIA KAPALI, COMMISSIONER MARISSA SANDBLOM, COMMISSIONER JAN TENBRUGGENCATE, COMMISSIONER
REID KAWANE, CHAIR LORI KOGA, VICE CHAIR
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Charter Review Commission
FROM: Commission Staff
SUBJECT: Additional Document for 12/20/2021 Charter Review Commission Agenda
BUSINESS
CRC 2020-17 Discussion and possible action on proposing a Charter amendment
relating to Council Districting.
• Table of Proposed Charter amendments relating to Council
Districting.
Table of Comparison of Charter Amendments regarding Districting Proposals
Districting Proposals
Details
3x2+1
• 2 councilmembers
per district (14,
15, 16)
• 1 at large
Proposed by:
Jonathan Jay
Island-wide voting for all candidates.
Adopt 3 existing state-designed constitutionally valid, equal-population house districts.
Maintain 7 seats on council. Highest vote recipient island wide is elected at-large, and then top 2 vote recipients by
each district elected to fill the other 6 seats.
Maintain existing island residency requirement for all candidates.
Require district residency for voters, voters can choose their councilmember from the entire island wide slate of
candidates.
Foster a wider group and encourage and promote a new generation to engage in representational politics by
reducing campaign expenses.
7 District Councilmembers
Proposed by:
Bert Lyon
Seven Districts:
1. Haena-Hanalei-Princeville-Kilauea-Moloa’a-Anahola
2. Kapa’a-Kealia
3. Wailua Houselots-Wailua Homesteads
4. Hanamaulu-Lihue-Puhi
5. Koloa-Poipu-Kukuiula
6. Kalaheo-Omao-Lawai
7. Eleele-Hanapepe-Kaumakani-Waimea-Kekaha-N’iihau
Any reapportionment commission, which would be required to implement any number of Council districts other
than three (3), should be able to produce acceptable district boundaries according to the census tract data
provided by the 2020 Census. I believe that any additional expense required in order to implement a 7-district
Council election would be well worth the cost, by creating districts that clearly represent those issues concerning
each community. As a result, at least one Councilmember would live near the area concerning any issue coming
before the Council, so he/she would then likely be familiar enough with that issue to better explain it to the full
Council.
Furthermore, having smaller Council districts would make it easier and cheaper for new candidates to campaign for
a Council seat, likely resulting in more candidates.
Districting Proposals
Details
4-4yr Full-time
Councilmembers At-large
3-2yr Part-time
Councilmembers one per
District 14, 15, 16
Proposed by:
Felicia Cowden
The 4 top vote recipients will serve at-large
Next 3 votes will fill regional seats
As a councilmember, I value representing the entire island(s). I believe it strengthens my ability to represent the
north shore’s interests as I actively engage the needs of all the communities. I prefer at-large to districting.
My observation is eight years is an inadequate amount of time for skilled execution of the job requirements.
9 council members
• 3 councilmembers
per district (14,
15, 16)
Proposed by:
Norma Doctor Sparks
9 councilmembers (per testimony submitted 6/21/2020)
For the same reasons why the Hawaii Constitution scheduled three representatives for three Hawaii state
representative districts on Kauai, the County Council should have nine members. With three members elected from
each of three council districts, corresponding with Hawaii state representative districts as apportioned under the
Hawaii Constitution, the people of Kauai will have stronger representation that will integrate the issues of the
districts at the County and State levels.