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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br />DATE: November 1, 2011 <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 />Re: Comm. 423 <br />Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Comm. 423, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 423, from Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated October 12, 2011, requests <br />confirmation of the appointment of nominee G. Rick Robinson of Council District 7 to the <br />County of Hawai`i Water Board. Mr. Robinson is a 40 -year resident of Hawai`i and from 1991 <br />to 2005, he was the Director of the Commercial Asset Division, Commercial Real Estate with <br />Kamehameha Schools. <br />Mr. Robinson's community service has involved membership with the Kona Family YMCA, the <br />Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the Hawaii County Farm Bureau, and the State Farm Bureau. He <br />formerly served on the Hawai`i County Merit Appeals Board. Mr. Robinson states that he is a <br />Republican. If confirmed, he will serve a term to expire on December 31, 2015, replacing <br />George Harai, whose term expired on December 31, 2010. <br />Council Member Pilago introduced Mr. Robinson who was present at the West Hawai`i Civic <br />Center. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor Charmaine Shigemura confirmed that Mr. Robinson has stated <br />that he is a Republican and if confirmed will serve until December 31, 2015. <br />Council Member Pilago stated he strongly supported this nomination due to his long history of <br />service to the community and he asked for the Council's support. <br />Council Member Ford confirmed that Mr. Robinson is on the Kona Soil and Water Conservation <br />District Board and stated that she believes that board is dominated by developer based members. <br />She also confirmed that Mr. Robinson is retired but has a real estate license and is a coffee <br />farmer. She stated that his farm is close to her home and she believes Mr. Robinson is a good <br />farmer and a good person, but she cannot support this nomination as she is concerned that <br />commissions and boards are being stacked with development oriented people. <br />Council Member Yagong thanked Mr. Robinson for his willingness to serve. He stated that he <br />has spoken with Department of Water Supply Manager -Chief Engineer Milton Pavao regarding <br />the water availability challenges and that no water equals no development. He further stated that <br />PC Rept. No.: 33 <br />