HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.014 2020-2022 PATT( 0 1e,
P.O. Box 6960, Kamuela, HI 96743 - Cell: 808-937-2833
January 4, 2021
TO: The Honorable Ashley Kierkiewicz, Hawai'i County Council Committee on Planning
The Honorable Maile David, Council Chair
Members of the Hawaii County Council
RE: Letter Supporting Mayor Mitch Roth's Appointment of Planner Zendo Kern as County
Of Hawaii Planning Department Director— Effective Dec. 7, 2020
Aloha from Waimea! And thank you for taking time to listen to what residents from across the island are
thinking about Mayor Mitch Roth's vision and intentions to help our island move forward in these extremely
challenging Covid times.
All of our communities islandwide are struggling with the combined health, economic and social-cultural-
environmental impacts of this pandemic. Clearly, many of the challenges our communities face have be
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exacerbated by the pandemic. It's my view that the vision and leadership of Mayor Roth and his
administration—and the County Council—is more critical than ever to helping us dig out of this deep hole._ >
and give all residents hope for health, opportunity and wellbeing—and that no one is left behind.
I am still quite amazed by the exceptional voter participation in the recent elections and believe it was -
effectively a "referendum"on the need for a change in leadership to one of being more collaborative, µ .
communicative and accountable to build trust while addressing our island's diverse needs and challenges
That said, I urge the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee to approve the nomination of Mr. Kern,,pHe
is not a personal friend though we have met, and I have followed his advocacy on behalf of his commur*
and our island as a former Council member and also as a former volunteer Chair of the Windward Planning
Commission.
I would emphasize the fact that as Chair of the planning commission, he was a volunteer. Your committee's
planning focus gives you a good understanding of what all this involves, most notably the hours of prep and
meetings required to deeply understand project proposals. It also required thorough understanding of
County planning laws, rules, procedures, best practices, and the need to balance community needs and
expectations and look into the future to anticipate consequences. In his role as a commission member and
chair, he wore a "hat"for the community and the law. The fact that he brought planning training and
experience to the table prepared him to be a better advocate for the public while treating project proposals
fairly.
I also view his work as a planner for private developers as an asset—not a liability. He does understand the
rule of law and also the need to listen to the community and be technically proficient at addressing a wide
array of issues and challenges—from cultural and environmental impacts to economic and social
consequences. He also has had to work with the County Planning Department and therefore brings a
working knowledge to the position of department strengths and where a shift in thinking or procedures is
warranted.
I am very hopeful about the Administrative leadership that Mayor Roth has nominated. I am also grateful
that in making his selections, Mayor Roth asked many across the island for input and he listened to these
recommendations. Please may I urge your Committee to support Mayor Roth's vision by approving Mr.
Kern's appointment.
Again, thank you for your time. Please stay safe.
Patti Cook
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