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Council Chairman J Yoshimoto and Members <br />Page 3 <br />May 5, 2010 <br />has worked for 30 years on the mainland so he is comfortable working with and can <br />relate to long -time local residents and new - comers alike. Mr. Kurokawa is a skilled <br />facilitator and has been active in community work across the planning area since <br />returning to the island six years ago, including board membership on the Hilo - <br />Hamakua Community Development Corporation (HHCDC). He resides in Honomo, <br />and is well connected and respected in Hilo - Hamakua communities. In addition, <br />Mr. Kurokawa is currently involved as a CDP 'Talk Story' Facilitator. <br />7. Matthias W. Kusch is a 5 year resident and currently the president of the Pepe'ekeo <br />Gardens Homeowners Association. Mr. Kusch is a Captain with the County of Hawaii <br />Fire Department in Laupahoehoe, and runs a small -scale avocado orchard and field — <br />stock palm business. Mr. Kusch was formerly on the West Hawai'i Fisheries Council <br />where he developed an understanding of coastal ecology, environmental conservation, <br />and access issues for fishermen. Through his work with the Fire Department and other <br />community work, Mr. Kusch has experienced a wide spectrum of people's lives and is <br />comfortable working with diverse groups of people. Mr. Kusch is skilled at <br />synthesizing broad ideas into goals, objectives, and actions, and is effective at <br />managing productive meetings. <br />8. Lorraine M. Mendoza is a lifetime resident of the planning area (Hakalau and <br />Pepe'ekeo) and has been involved in community activities for over 20 years, including <br />active involvement in coordinating assistance for displaced sugar workers upon the <br />closure of the plantations. Ms. Mendoza's background includes leadership roles in the <br />Pepe'ekeo Filipino Association, the Rural South Hilo Community Association, the <br />Pepe'ekeo Community Association, and the HHCDC. She also has experience with <br />and has advocated for aquaculture, recreational development, primary education, and <br />community -based economic development, through her role in the State's CBED board. <br />In addition, Ms. Mendoza is currently involved as a CDP 'Talk Story' Facilitator. <br />9. Marc W. Miranda was born and raised in Honoka'a and recently moved to Papa'ikou. <br />For the past seven years, Mr. Miranda has been the Governors East Hawai'i liaison, <br />where he has gained a deep understanding of the issues of the people in the planning <br />area, as well as built relationships with individuals and organizations in many <br />Hamakua communities. Mr. Miranda has also been a staff coach for UH Women's <br />Soccer since August 2008. He has expressed an interest in representing the youth of <br />his generation (Mr. Miranda is 30) on the Steering Committee, as well encouraging <br />them to participate in shaping the future of the area. Mr. Miranda supports the creation <br />of employment opportunities for Hamakua residents so they can work closer to home <br />and afford to stay in the area. <br />10. Myles Y. Miyasato is a 9 year resident of Laupahoehoe and currently works as a <br />representative of the Operating Engineers Stabilization Fund. Mr. Miyasato brings a <br />background in construction and development from his previous experience as a <br />foreman for two construction companies. In addition, Mr. Miyasato ranches cattle and <br />horses, is an avid hunter, sits on the County's Transportation Committee, and is a <br />former chair of the Cost of Government Commission. Mr. Miyasato believes in <br />regional planning and smart development that balances the need for employment, <br />businesses, agriculture, and affordable housing with environmental conservation. He <br />is active in getting the community involved in important issues and will do the same on <br />the Steering Committee. <br />County of Hawai' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />