Redrawn maps put senators in competition
| • | Map: New district boundaries |
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Proposed new boundaries for state Senate districts would plunk 10 incumbent senators in five districts, a move guaranteed to churn up some change in the Senate next year.
Proposed district maps released yesterday by the state Reapportionment Commission show the 25 Senate districts being redrawn in ways that will force eight Democrats and two Republicans to step down, move or run against an incumbent from their own party.
In East Honolulu, the commission approved draft maps that would combine Kalama Valley with Waimanalo, Lanikai and some Kailua neighborhoods. That new district would encompass the homes of Sen. Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo) and Sen. Sam Slom, R-8th (Wai'alae Iki, Hawai'i Kai).
Slom said he had announced plans to run for re-election before the maps were released, and said he wasn't sure how his plans might change.
"I haven't given it one single thought," Slom said, adding that he had been busy with the Legislature's special session. "I'll think about it after that."
In urban Honolulu, the commission redrew a district to encompass the homes of Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-14th (Palama, 'Alewa Heights) and Sen. Rod Tam, D-13th (Nu'uanu, Downtown, Sand Island).
Chun Oakland said she had expected changes in her district but had not had a chance to study the new maps.
She said she plans to run for re-election in any event.
Also in urban Honolulu, a district was drawn that includes the homes of Democratic dissident Sen. Les Ihara Jr., D-10th (Waikiki, Kaimuki) and Sen. Matt Matsunaga, D-9th (Wai'alae, Palolo).
"I have no plans at this point," Ihara said yesterday. "I've got to look at it. I haven't even seen the maps."
Census figures used
The Reapportionment Commission is appointed every 10 years to redraw the boundaries of the 51 House and 25 Senate districts to make the populations in each district equal using numbers from the latest Census.
The commission's work is closely watched by lawmakers and people interested in running for office, because district boundaries have great influence over who has the best chance to win.
Lawmakers worry they will be separated from their political strongholds or combined with another incumbent in a way that forces a tough primary race. Challengers hope for "open" districts, with no incumbent, which offer them a better shot at winning.
Last week, the commission released maps that show the homes of Sen. Lorraine Inouye, D-1st (Hawi, N. Kona, Waimea), and Sen. David Matsuura, D-2nd (S. Hilo, Puna) lumped into the same Big Island district.
Inouye said the new district boundaries were "unfortunate" because they separate her from the Kohala and Waimea neighborhoods where she has done well in past elections.
But she said she intends to run for re-election.
The commission released Maui maps that put Sen. Jan Buen, D-4th (W. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i) and Sen. J. Kalani English, D-5th (Kahului, Upcountry Maui) in the same district.
Simple move home
English said he would solve that problem by moving back to his family home in Hana, where the commission drew a new district with no incumbent.
In the state House, the commission redrew Windward districts that place Reps. Charles Djou, R-47th (Kahalu'u, Kane'ohe) and Rep. David Pendleton, R-50th (Maunawili, Enchanted Lake) in the same district.
Also in urban Honolulu, the commission redrew Kalihi districts to place the homes of Reps. Ben Cabreros, D-30th (Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna) and Felipe "Jun" Abinsay, D-29th (Kalihi, Palama, Moanalua) in the same district.
The new boundaries would combine the homes of Rep. Terry Nui Yoshinaga, D-22nd (Mo'ili'ili, McCully, Pawa'a), and Rep. Ed Case, D-23rd (Manoa) into the same district.
