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GOEAC-30 Page 2 April 1, 2025 <br />Committee Member James Hustace asked Ms. Schoen if she was able to give examples of when one of them <br />may have to recuse themselves from decision -making. Ms. Schoen said potential recusals would be necessary <br />if Ms. Inaba had a personal benefit or property that was coming before the Planning Commission. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked the nominee to describe her long-term vision for <br />development in her area. Ms. Inaba said it needs to be thoughtful and regarding what responsible development <br />looks like. She said that by using the tools available, including the General Plan and Community Development <br />Plans, she can understand what the community vision is for the area. She said that balance is important. <br />Member Kimball asked Ms. Inaba that if she was told there was a conflict by the Board of Ethics, would she <br />remove herself from the Commission. Ms. Inaba said yes. Member Kimball stated that she would be adding <br />her own petition to the Board of Ethics to get clarity on what guardrails, if any, are needed. <br />Member Villegas asked if all the information from the Planning Commission and Council is public. <br />Ms. Schoen stated that yes, all is public, with the exception of some confidential information and executive <br />sessions. <br />Member Galimba asked a hypothetical question regarding whether a Council Member put forth legislation that <br />needed to be reviewed by the Planning Commission, if that would be a situation in which the Commissioner <br />may need to recuse themselves. Ms. Schoen said that this may be a situation in which recusal might be <br />necessary, but that she cannot picture specific legislation that may cause such a conflict. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada pointed out how the issue of ethics lies not only with an actual conflict of <br />interest but with the perception of a conflict of interest. She stated how uncomfortable the entire topic was to <br />discuss with Council Chair Inaba present in the room, as Committee Members discuss her nomination, due to <br />the discretion he has over funds and procedure. Chair Kagiwada asked the Administration to weigh in on the <br />timing of this nomination as she would be in support after her son was no longer serving as Council Chair. <br />Mr. Alameda stated that the Administration thinks that this candidate is the most capable and qualified <br />nominee for this position. <br />Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 7, Section 6-7.4 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Leeward <br />Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose <br />and intent of Communication No. 200, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of <br />Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission. <br />sim <br />AYES <br />NOES <br />ABS <br />EX <br />GALIMBA <br />X <br />HUSTACE <br />X <br />INABA <br />X <br />KAGIWADA <br />X <br />KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER <br />X <br />KIERKIEWICZ <br />X <br />KIMBALL <br />X <br />ONISHI <br />X <br />VILLEGAS <br />X <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br />EXTERNAL• <br />. �. CHAIR <br />GOEAC REPORTNO.: 1 <br />• O `*R 1 6 2025 <br />