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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: September 21, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 383 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 9:33 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 383, reports as <br /> follows: <br /> Communication No. 383, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated August 31, 2021, <br /> nominates Melissa Leilani DeMello to the Puna Community Development Plan Action <br /> Committee (CDP AC). Ms. DeMello has been a resident of District 5 since 2005 and holds deep <br /> recognition for Puna's history, culture, and resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian <br /> Studies from UH Hilo, is the Director of Operations for Ku A Kanaka, and is a co-host of the Ka <br /> Leo O ka Uluau podcast. If confirmed, Ms. DeMello will serve a term ending on December 31, <br /> 2024. <br /> Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome was present via Zoom to introduce <br /> Ms. DeMello. Ms. DeMello appeared before Your Committee via Zoom to speak of her deep <br /> connection to Puna and expressed that she felt it was her kuleana to serve her community. She <br /> further explained that she is passionate, organized, and capable for this position. <br /> Committee Members Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder and Heather Kimball both thanked <br /> Ms. DeMello for stepping up to serve and that she is an excellent fit for this committee. <br /> Planning Director Zendo Kern was present in the Hilo Chambers where he spoke highly of <br /> Ms. DeMello and noted the unique challenges Puna faces and that he honors her willingness to <br /> take on the heavy commitment this committee requires. <br /> Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz thanked Ms. DeMello for making an investment in herself <br /> and Puna's communities via the Puna CDP AC as well as with the Kilauea Eruption Recovery's <br /> Resilience Action Teams. Chair Kierkiewicz also highlighted Ms. DeMello's track record of <br /> accomplishments and appreciated her skills and knowledge. <br /> The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable <br /> recommendation and passed with 9 "ayes." <br /> PC Report No.: 30 <br />