2024-11-01 Janice Palma-glennie Testimony GP 2045 LPC

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testimony requirements — so that people are brought into the fold and are on the same page with understanding and a modicum of agreement. As far as eliminating mapping, we know what side of the development paradigm Mr Fuke and select private landowners he represents embrace (more, more more development and less, less regulations). Maps are a tool for the public to see, visualize, and learn what’s happening with our lands. They’re necessary for better clarity and less fighting at permitting level about what’s meant in the plan. A this point, you and the administration can keep all or nothing of the plan as you choose though, as you indicated, you’re not going to toss it out. The sense that this process is as far along as it is without the public feeling at all certain that their voice is being incorporated into the plan — where comments made don’t even show up on the interactive maps — is demoralizing and makes the public feel that disenfranchisement has been part of the administration’s goal from Day 1. This is exacerbated by the mayor coming out of the gate speaking negatively about the importance of the CDPs. Speaking of mayor’s comments...please omit “nimbyism” from the plan. The word and concept is divisive and misleading. As captain of the planning ship, that kind of characterization of comity members who’ve taken the time to learn and speak up about how they want to protect communities and resources only creates more feelings of public disenfranchisement and, in fact, anger. And speaking of being free to say what our political leaders have said and written...it’s a breach of free speech for testifiers not to be able to point out where our leaders are being wrong-headed or even corrupt. Already being limited 3 minutes testimony when someone like Chuck Flaherty or the man speaking about Hawaiian Homes concerns —people with reams of crucial information to share — is tough enough, and wasn’t always county protocol. And sending it as written testimony isn’t the same as having it heard in person. Again, I feel that letting the public have their say is a way to show inclusivity, to create better relationships and good will between government and the People, and to get things done in the future without constant fighting and ill-will. Will public testimony be taken at the November 4th meeting? Mahalo for your volunteerism and for taking what could be a lot of time getting the hang of the Konveio platform. I dont’ feel I have enough hours or weeks left in my life to spend them trying to decipher glitchy technology (I actually spent weeks), but I sure hope commissioners do. Best regards, Janice Palma-glennie Kailua-kona Cc: April Suprenaut, Council rep Villegas