A group of citizen petitioners led by Kailua Neighborhood Board Chair Bill Hicks is challenging the state Reapportionment Commission over new legislative districts. The petitioners argue the plan is invalid, and want the maps redrawn.
State House districts cannot be split between different Senate districts, with some exceptions. Thirty-five out of 51 House districts did not meet that criteria.
The new map also divides some legislative districts between Hawaiʻi’s two U.S. congressional districts, which is highly discouraged.
The attorney for the petitioners, Mateo Caballero, says the commission must redraw the map in accordance with state law before the general election.
The U.S. Constitution requires districts to be redrawn at least every 10 years.
The commission presented its final plan on Jan. 26.
