HONOLULU (AP) - A vote on whether nonresident members of the military should be counted when Hawaii redraws district lines is being delayed.
The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission decided Wednesday not to vote on the issue until it hears from a Big Island advisory panel. Similar panels from Oahu, Maui and Kauai have already weighed in.
The Oahu Advisory Council told commissioners Wednesday that nonresident military and their dependents should be included. The two Neighbor Island panels didn't want them counted.
Because most troops live on Oahu, counting them would likely retain the island's political power.
But if they continue to be excluded, the Big Island would be projected to gain a seat in the state Senate due to population increases.
The Reapportionment Commission may hold a vote at its next meeting June 28.
