REP PC 076 06/06/2006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 912 Page 3 of 4 sectors, different cultures that exist in Puna, agriculture, landowners, non-resident land owners, educators, environmental, multi-generational mix, good mix of males and females, regional representation of the Puna azea and awareness of history and historic preservation issues. Ms. Chang stated the four reviewers were chosen similar as it was for the Kona CDP. The Kona had a representative from Mayor's office so Andy Levin was the first chosen. They then looked for people who know the Puna azea well and who live there for a long time with experiences in observing people in meetings and handling themselves. Council Member Holschuh requested a hard copy of the point system she just reviewed for use when Hamakua begins it CDP process. Council Member Ikeda noted his surprise the largest landowner Shipman was not a participant especially because this will really affect the community and they own about half the land in Puna. He stated if the steering committee had a representative from Shipman it would be easier to persuade them to release some of their lands. He noted Shipman has tendencies to give land away and was hoping to see a nominee from Shipman so we don't have to buy land from them, and they would give the county land. Ms. Chang stated no one selected by the review committee is directly connected to the Shipman Trust. Ms. Chang agreed they are a very important player and stakeholder and fully intends to bring them in as much as they would like to be. Ms. Chang noted certain Planning staff members aze attending Shipman's master planning meetings being conducted and trying to complete the master plan before the committee gets too far into CDP process. Shipman would like to fully be a part of it and share with the community. Council Member Ikeda asked whether there was anyone from Shipman who applied and Ms. Chang stated two people had applied with direct connections to Shipman. One, a direct heir of the trust, was felt to directly benefit personally from the results of the CDP and, by consensus, probably not a good idea. The qualifications of the other Shipman applicant did not rank very high. Mr. Ikdea stated he hoped they keep Shipman involved and stated if we can get the land for free, lets go for it. Chair Pilago stated Mr. Arakaki correctly requested the committee to bifurcate the question and have an opportunity to meet each steering committee nominee on his or her own merits. Council Member Jacobson inquired why Mr. Arakaki is requesting bifurcation and Mr. Arakaki responded because he wants to. Chair Pilago noted that it is Mr. Arakaki's right to make the request and that it was helpful because the members get to meet each applicant on their own merits. Mr. Safarik stated doesn't think taking each nominee individually is a bad thing. There's a lot of good people here and thinks we need to hear their story and bifurcation allows for it. Chair Pilago introduced Mr. Mr. Darren Ah Chong, a 10-year resident of Puna and presently a Realtor for Ala Kai Realty, Inc. Mr. Ah Chong stated he is interested in serving and giving back to the community especially because the area is growing so quickly and it needs to have correct infrastructure. Most of the area is on water catchment, the roads are not paved and having lived there for ten years, he thinks its great opportunity for everyone to plan and move forward. Mr. Safarik noted Mr. Ah Chong's vast rnnge of experiences, inquired into his position of director of operations for Kamehameha Schools. Mr. Ah Chong stated he oversaw operations of the Kea`au campus for three years and was in charge of all budgeting and finance as well as build-out of the campus. Mr. Ah Chong stated he could not comment why he is no longer with Kamehameha Schools, only that there is pending litigation. Mr. Ah Chong was also a police officer for a year but left the Police PC REPORT N0.76