2005-04-01 TLEAIRD - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPRINGER:Okay, thank you. Okay, will the applicant and anyone else who will be helping you please come forward at this time. At this time, I have, in addition to Ms.Leaird, Leland Okura has signed up to testify. OKURA:That is correct, Chairman Springer. SPRINGER:Thank you. If there is anybody else who would care to testify during the public testimony portion of this agenda item, can you please join with the applicant in raising your right hand. And do you swear or affirm to tell the truth on this matter now before the Hawaii County Planning Commission? LEAIRD-OKURA:Yes. OKURA:Ido. SPRINGER:Thankyou.Atthistime,couldyoupleasestateyournames,andyour residence addresses for the record, Ms. Leaird and Mr. Okura. OKURA:My name is Leland Okura. I reside in Kailua-Kona at 76-330 Olomea Place. Im a local, Im a Hilo-born boy. My family lives in Hilo. I will eventually be relocating back to Hilo once the bed and breakfast is built. SPRINGER:Thank you. Ms. Leaird? LEAIRD-OKURA:Hi, my name is Johanna Leaird Okura. I just got married, and this is my husband. And my address here in Hilo is PO Box 836, Hilo, Hawaii 96721; and I also reside at the same address in Kailua-Kona, until well move back. SPRINGER:Thank you. Did you receive the Planning Departments Background Report and Recommendation? LEAIRD-OKURA:Yes, Maam, we did. SPRINGER:Do you have any comments to make at this time? LEAIRD-OKURA:Yes, Maam. I would like to do that at this time. SPRINGER:Please proceed. LEAIRD-OKURA:I have a diagram that Im going to hold up; and it has bright colors, so it might help explain even a little bit further than what Jeff has explained. Okay, first of all, I wanted to give a background about myself, just so you know who I am and my intentions. I am legally blind. I, for the last 20 years Ive been trying to educate myself and go back to work. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America as a pastry chef, Cornell University, in hotel management. My disability prevents me from being able to work; and when that happened, I sat down with my attorney and my CPA and we figured out the concept of 5