2021-12-02 Windward Planning Commission Minutes

Home

Commissioner Galimba. Commissioner Au thanked his fellow Commissioners in giving him the prestigious opportunity. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING At 11:13a.m. Chairman Replogle asked staff how many agenda items are on the next meeting agenda. Program Manager Maija Jackson said there are two (2) agenda items. There is a rezone in Pahoa and a Special Permit in Orchidland, `Ainaloa on the January hearing. ANNOUNCEMENTS At 11:13 a.m. Chairman Replogle said the next Windward Planning Commission's monthly meeting will be scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 2022, by interactive video conference via Zoom. Commissioner Au asked whether there are any discussions on having live/in-person meetings. Deputy Corporation Counsel Kekai stated effective January 1st the Sunshine Law will change. She stated if the Commission meeting is via Zoom or any type of interactive technology it will require at least one (1)public location open to the public. If the Commissioners are to appear in person you will also appear at that public location. Ms. Kekai indicated it would be "hybrid" meeting and required by law a place for the public for those who does not have Zoom or Wi-Fi access to come and participate. Director Kern asked Deputy Corporation Counsel Kekai if a remote meeting is done the location for the public is required and there is an opportunity to go back to in-person meetings. He mentioned there has been conversations on in-person and hybrid meetings and the County is currently monitoring the COVID situation. Beginning in the first quarter of next year there would be a better determination as to which meeting platform will be used going forward. Deputy Corporation Counsel Kekai asked the Commission as to their preference for either in- person or Zoom meetings. Commissioner Au answered he personally would like to go back to in-person at some point to engage with the community, see the staff, and witness the heartfelt testimonies from the testifiers. Commissioner Replogle concurred with Commissioner Au's response and asked Director Kern if being vaccinated is required in attending the in-person meetings. Director Kern confirmed that is part of the bigger discussion with the administration and was unable to answer further; he noted that the County is also watching the development of the new variants. Commissioner Clarkson stated the video-conferencing platform is fine and convenient for him. Commissioner Raffipiy stated we should continue to move towards a in- person meeting but at the same time in a cautious way because of the new COVID Omicron variant that has developed; Chair Replogle agreed as well. Director Kern appreciated the feedback from the Commissioners as being very helpful in moving forward. Chair Replogle thanked everyone for their support during the past year. Commissioner Clarkson asked for a clarification on the carry-over is a maximum of three (3) months and not until their position is filled. Director Kern confirmed yes, and Deputy Corporation Counsel Kekai stated basically it is for ninety (90) days extra or until the position is filled or whichever is sooner. Page 4 of 5 Windward Planning Commission December 2,2021 Minutes