HAWAII ISLAND: On the heels of a ruling by a federal court rejecting the challenge to the state’s reapportionment and redistricting plan, Big Island Senator Malama Solomon has issued a statement.

Following Tuesday’s court ruling, Solomon stated on Wednesday:

“I am encouraged by the progress thus far at the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. In its Order entered May 22, 2012, it appears to me that the Federal court has recognized the unique, historical perspective and importance of each of the counties in the State of Hawaii. The court’s order appears to recognize that our unique history mandates that all of the counties have a fair and equal voice in the administration of the Legislative branch of our government. We recognize that the case is not over. However, based on the court’s preliminary decision, we are now assured that the local elections will go forward as planned. We deeply appreciate the courts thorough analysis of this matter and we will cooperate with the court on any further hearings that may come before it.”

Solomon was one of the four plaintiffs in Solomon v. Abercrombie, which successfully argued before the State Supreme Court that the state’s reapportionment plan was unconstitutional because it counted the non-resident military and student population in its numbers, and forced the redrawing of the state election maps. Solomon’s victory added a fourth State Senate seat to the County of Hawaii.