2019-06-20 Leeward Exh B (Amend Kona CDP)

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UNGER: Mahalo. PALMA-GLENNIE: Aloha and mahalo, Commissioners. My name is Janice Palma-Glennie. I’m from Kailua-Kona. Though I’ve, I’ve been involved in the CDP process since its inception and I’m currently a member of the Action Committee, I’m speaking only for myself today. As an Action Committee member, I was the only one to vote kānalua on the amendment package due to reservations I have regarding some, but not all, of the amended language. As I said, my history with the CDP is long and my commitment to the Plan’s success is strong, as is true for many who have taken part in this long and actually really great process. The original comprehensive goal of the CDP in its thousands participants was to create a legally binding, regionally driven, regionally responsible smart-growth planning document that would help protect the quality life of South and North Kona residents through judicious protection of our region’s natural and cultural resources – resources that were quickly being subjugated for necessary, as well as unnecessary, mostly unplanned growth. I feel that the ground-up nature of this, from-the-ground-up nature of this document with the intention to stay regionally-based is the most important concept for Commissioners, the Planning Department, the community and other stakeholders to remember and remain committed to as we move forward together. As you’ve heard from planners and Action Committee members, some of the amendments before you are necessary to achieve implementation of the Plan, and some may change or weaken its original intent. But I hope and trust that as long as we keep the original concept and commitment to community-driven regional planning foremost in our minds, this Plan can be a great success in moving our region forward towards less car-centric sprawled and damaging growth that we’ve seen until this point. I appreciate the hard sincere work done by planners to help move this process forward. I ask the Commissioners take the time to think through this process from the perspective of strongly supporting community-based planning, and any decisions you make regarding the Kona CDP and all proposed amendments. Mahalo. UNGER: Mahalo. You all may be seated. Thank you. Ken Melrose, Christy Logan, Franz Weber. Is there anybody else here that would like to testify at this time? \[None.\] Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth before the Planning Commission? TESTIFIERS: I do. UNGER: Thank you. Before you start your testimony, please state your name and your area of residence. MELROSE: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Ken Melrose. I reside in Kealakekua, South Kona. I served on the Steering Committee in 2005 to 2008 as its Chair, and then the Action Committee as its Chair for its first term, and I’ve remained active as a community member since. 14 EXHIBIT B