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Docember 5, 2020
COUNTY CLERK
Council Chair Maile David and Members of the County Council COUNTY TY CF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Subject: Recommendation for the Confirmation of Zendo Kern, Planning Director i u4 °pl'
Date 0 5 2020
Honorable Chair David and Members of the Council:
My name is Michael Fujimoto and I am the Executive Chairman of HEM Building Supply, an employee-owned
company founded in Hilo 99 years ago. I am wrifing you in support of the confirmation of Zendo Kern as
Planning Director,
Our County is at a precarious inflection point in our long history and we are in need of a strong and capable
leader of the Planning Department who can effectively assist Mayor Elect Roth in successfully navigating our
County during these challenging times.
I first became acquainted with Zendo Kern over 10 years ago when he was a general contractor building homes
and commercial structures in East Hawaii. Zendo was somewhat unique at that time in that he was a pioneer in
green building technology and was a strong proponent of sustainable structures and materials. More recently, I
participated on the interview panel established by Mayor Elect Roth where we interviewed a host of candidates
applying for the position of Planning Director. Our panel unanimously recommended Zendo Kern for this
position for the following reasons:
1. He understands the role and challenges facing the Planning Department from multiple vantage points:
a. As a general contractor and a land use and planning consultant for the past 20 years, he has first-
hand knowledge of what is important to customers of the Department and areas that need
improvement.
b. As a former member of the County Council, Mr. Kern understands the governance model of the
County, the roles and responsibilities of Council members and the Administration and what is
important to his constituents and general public.
c. As a former chair of both the Planning and Environmental Management Committees of the
Council, he has deep knowledge of the charge and administrative issues of both Departments as
well as the public sentiments regarding a variety of planning and environmentally related subjects.
2. As the owner/operator of his own businesses in very competitive industries, Mr. Kern understands how to
achieve results for his customers and how to manage teams. He also understands the need for personal
accountability at all levels within an organization.
3. He is intelligent, articulate, a good listener, an effective communicator and possesses strong leadership
qualities.
4. Finally, Mr. Kern is a local boy and has a deep understanding of the island and life in Hawaii. Zendo
was born in Koholo and was raised in Puna. His strong work ethic was'developed at a young age when
he took on jobs while in high school to help his family make ends meet.
It is for these reasons that I strongly encourage you to confirm the appointment of Zendo Kern for the position of
Planning Director.
Please call or email me if I can answer any questions.
Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Comm. No. A.
Ref. To: Mc
Ref. Date "M'N' 5 2