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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: September 8, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 316 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai'i <br /> TIME: 8:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 316, reports as <br /> follows: <br /> Communication No. 316 from Mayor William Kenoi, dated August 18, 2011, requests <br /> confirmation of the appointment of Christopher A. Manfredi of the Ka`u District to the Hawai`i <br /> County Windward Planning Commission. Communication No. 316, notes that Mr. Manfredi is a <br /> nine-year resident of Hawai`i. Since 2006, he has managed Ka`u Farm and Ranch Co., LLC. He <br /> is a board member of the Hawai`i Coffee Association, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Ka`u <br /> Agricultural Water Cooperative District Steering committee, Ka`u Coffee Festival committee <br /> and Ka `Ghana 0 Honu'apo. He is also the founding president of the Ka`u Farm Bureau and the <br /> Associate Director of the Ka`u Soil and Water Conservation District. <br /> Mr. Manfredi states that he is not affiliated with any political party. If confirmed he will serve a <br /> term to end on March 31, 2015. <br /> Council Member Smart asked Mr. Manfredi why he is interested in serving on the Commission. <br /> Mr. Manfredi stated that the Mayor asked him to serve, and he feels he has strong background <br /> experience in many areas such as land use, agriculture, archeology, water, soil and coastal <br /> conservation, business development, and community development. He also feels he represents a <br /> balance between development and environmental communities; and listens to all sides to find <br /> common ground to satisfy the largest number of stakeholders. He stated that if he is asked, he <br /> will do his best to participate as he has a difficult time saying no to anyone when asked to help. <br /> Council Member Smart stated she received more opposing testimony than supporting. She <br /> expressed her appreciation for all of his work on the different boards and commissions, but is <br /> concerned if he will be able to devote the time required to serve on this Commission. She also <br /> stated that she must listen to what her constituents say, so she cannot support this nomination. <br /> Council Member Ikeda stated that he was looking for an independent decision maker regardless <br /> of backgrounds. <br /> Council Member Yagong acknowledged Mr. Manfredi's diverse background and asked if this <br /> was a reappointment or if it is his first time to be nominated. He also asked that if Mr. Manfredi <br /> is confirmed, who he would represent. <br /> PC RPT NO. 27 <br />