GOP Announces Reapportionment Commission Selections

In a joint news conference, House and Senate Republicans announced their selection of Rick Clifton, Deron Akiona, Jill Frierson, and Kenny Lum to the Reapportionment Commission.

"These are outstanding citizens of the Hawaii and they are committed to working on behalf of the people of Hawaii," said Sen. Sam Slom, Senate Republican Leader. "They understand the importance of creating a plan that is fair, logical, and in the best interest of our communities."

"These individuals will be a great asset to the commission," said Rep. Galen Fox, House Republican Leader. "Together, they have the collective expertise to produce a reapportionment plan properly representing each island area."

Rick Clifton served on the 1991 Reapportionment Commission and is currently an attorney in the law firm of Cades, Shuttee, Fleming & Wright.

Deron Akiona is the former Executive Director of the Haku Alliance which helped develop workers compensation reform, and is currently the Managing Director of the Anesthesia Medical Group, Inc.

Jill Frierson is the former Director of both the House Minority Research Office and the Senate Minority Research Office.

Kenny Lum is a small businessman, community leader, former restaurateur and member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

The commission is scheduled to start meeting on or before May 1, 2001 in order to set state and federal legislative district boundaries. Four other commission members will be appointed, two each by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President, and the eight members will then select a ninth as the chair of the commission.

The commission has five months to file a reapportionment plan for the U.S. Congressional districts and the state legislature.

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