Kapolei residents resist plan to shift political boundaries

Several West Oahu residents testified Tuesday night against a political redistricting proposal that would put Makakilo, Kapolei and Ko Olina outside the bounds of a single congressional district.

Makakilo resident Maeda Timson said government officials have pushed for the region to be Oahu’s "second city" but turns around and fractures its constituency.

"We feel cheated. We’re being cut out," said Timson, a former chairwoman of the Makakilo/Kapolei Neighborhood Board.

"You’ve got to keep our city together in some shape or form."

About 35 people attended a public hearing at Kapolei High School on voter redistricting proposals formed by the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission.

It was the first of 13 public hearings to be held around the state through Sept. 16.

The commission has until Sept. 26 to submit a final plan.

The 1st Congressional District now encompasses the area from Hawaii Kai to Mililani, Waipahu and Ewa Beach.

Under the reapportionment proposal, the district boundary would move west to include portions of Makakilo, Kapolei and Ko Olina.

Makakilo resident Teri Heede said that placing the mauka and makai sections of Makakilo into different congressional districts would break up years of grass-roots political work.

"This is going to be real hard to deal with," Heede said.

Commission Chairwoman Victoria Marks said the proposed boundaries were based on factors such as the 2010 census and geography.

"I think it’s a numbers issue," Marks said.

Marks said the commission has not reached a final decision and encouraged people to submit their suggestions for redistricting.

The proposal would redraw state House districts in such a way that three pairs of incumbents would find themselves living in the same district — and thus in competition for those seats should they decide to seek re-election.

On Oahu, Rep. Barbara Marumoto (R, Kalani Valley-Diamond Head) would face Rep. Mark Hashem (D, Hahaione Valley-Aina Haina), and Rep. Kymberly Pine (R, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point) would challenge Rida Cabanilla (D, Waipahu-Ewa).

On Hawaii island, representatives Mark Nakashima (D, Hawi-Hilo) and Jerry Chang (D, Piihonua-Kaumana) would be placed in the same district.

AIRING THE REAPPORTIONMENT PROPOSALS

Public hearings on the reapportionment plans are as follows:

» Tonight: Maui Waena Intermediate, 5:30 p.m.

» Thursday: Lahaina Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.

» Friday: Kauai Council Chamber, 5:30 p.m.

» Tuesday: Aikahi Elementary, Kailua, 6 p.m.

» Sept. 7: State Capitol auditorium, 6 p.m.

» Sept. 8: Mililani High, 6 p.m.

» Sept. 9: Lanai High, 5 p.m.

» Sept. 12: Kaunakakai School, 5 p.m.

» Sept. 13: Hawaii County Council Chamber, Hilo, 5 p.m.

» Sept. 14: Hawaii County Council Chamber, Kona, 5 p.m.

» Sept. 15: Waipahu High, 6 p.m.

» Sept. 16: Kalani High, 6 p.m.