Big Island voters next year will decide whether the county is ready for two planning commissions — one for each side of the island.

The County Council last week approved putting a charter amendment on next year's general election ballot that would dissolve the current nine-member planning body and replace it with two seven-member independent planning commissions.

The battle is expected to be a geographical one, with Hilo eager to retain the power it has long held and rapidly growing Kona testing its muscle in trying to wrench away control over its own lands.

The bill was introduced by Kona Councilman Angel Pilago, who also is running for mayor in next year's election. If he were to win, Pilago would be the first mayor from West Hawai'i.

While some fear two planning commissions may further exacerbate a perceived split between the east and west sides of the island, others see the move as resolving some long-standing grumbling points.

Higher property values, including a half-dozen luxury resorts and ever-multiplying multimillion-dollar mansions on the western side means Kona taxpayers supply most of the county's property tax revenue. But those revenues are generally controlled from the county seat in Hilo.

This has long left residents in the Kona, Kohala, Puna and Ka'u districts feeling shortchanged.

"Two independent planning commissions would be better equipped to focus on issues specific to the respective affected districts," the ordinance states. They would "promote clear and concise regional discussions regarding levels of service, mitigation measures and future planning deficits."

County Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann, of Waimea, said the issue is important enough that it should be decided by the people, rather than by the council.

He dismissed claims it would further divide the island.

"No one is trying to split the island here. In fact, it's just the opposite," he said. "It will give more opportunity to get involved and to say what you'd like to see happening." He said Maui already had something similar.

If the measure is approved, the existing planning commission would remain in place until April 1, 2009.

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