2020-10-15 Leeward Exh A (Public Testimony re SPP 20-000219)

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CARR SMITH: You're breaking up a little bit Paul. OKNER: I'm aware "- - -" conditional approval. Sorry. CARR SMITH: Could you close your camera and just speak because it seems like maybe your connection isn't— OKNER: Sure. CARR SMITH: —coming. Thank you. OKNER: I'm much more comfortable that way anyhow. CARR SMITH: Thank you. OKNER: I'm aware of Mr. Yee's recommendation that the permit be approved with conditions. But, the problem with granting a conditional approval is that this Applicant has demonstrated a long and consistent history of disregarding laws, regulations, norms as shown by the lack of multiple building permits for existing structures, actions and contraventions of the restrictive covenants governing this land and of course the accumulation of massive fines for illegal activities on the land. If the intent is to make some sort of conditional approval than it should be done the right way. Explain the perimeters. Let the applicant make the necessary changes and then reapply for a Special Permit based on assuring actual compliance with the stipulations. Otherwise, I think we could be confident that it will just be a creation of yet another hollow list of requirements that would be ignored into eternity. The Applicant makes much "- - -" historic preservation, community building and economic development and we "- - -" those objectives. The problem is these goals and outcomes are highly overstated in the application and indeed the application embodies the opposite of true community building. I think we should be clear about what this Special Permit application represents. Even in the face of ongoing opposition from neighbors and the community the Applicant has acted in blatant violation of existing laws and norms for over a decade. Racking up over a half a million dollars in fines along the way. Now, backed into a corner the Applicant is looking to this Leeward Planning Commission as a tool to help normalize and sanction this pattern of agility and to be used as a bargaining chip trying to avoid her true responsibility to the community. We believe the only reasonable course of action is for the Commission to refuse to be another pawn of this Applicant and reject this application. Thank you. CARR SMITH: Thank you very much Paul for your testimony. Commissioners anyone have questions for Paul? Alright, hearing none thank you very much Paul,please drop off the call, appreciate your testimony. Robert Watkins is next. LEY: I think Max has a question. 3 EXHIBIT A