HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.035 2020-2022 From: Renee Inaba
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2021 7:33 PM
To: Council Testimony COUNTY CLERK
Cc: Muramoto, Jean COUNTYoF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Subject: Mayoral Nominations Concerns/ Kern Time
Date J 0 3 2021
Re: General concerns regarding any appointees with known and/or potential significant conflicts of interest.
Specific comments outlined re: Zendo Kern for Planning Dept,
Aloha Council Members and Concerned Citizens,
We first would like to thank you all for your dedication and service. We are reminded that with righteous
service comes obligation and a focus on right actions. Doing what is pond to fulfill our kuleana in service of
the people, our kama'aina and the aina and preserving all our precious resources.
When we consider actions, decisions, and how we move forward we must always consider not only what
is, but what things might also appear to be.
This is where we need to focus on fulfillment of required job qualifications AND avoiding conflicts of
interest, even the appearance of conflicts of interest and duty. Both "tests" along with other attributes really
need to be met. In the case of Mayor Roth's proposed appointment for the Planning Department there has
been much noted concern regarding Mr. Kern's apparent affiliation, advocacy, and past compensated
consulting, agency, and lobbying efforts on behalf of developers. These same developers are currently
pursuing development approvals and fast-tracks within the County of Hawaii. Such an appointee, that if
confirmed, having conflicts of interest, real or perceived, would have to constantly recuse himself or step
aside with important decisions and functions. The key functions for our public servants is to serve the
people and the lands of our County and not private or developer interests.
It is advisable that appointees and representatives not have significant conflicts of interest, directly,
indirectly, or apparent/perceived. Even the appearance of conflict can present fertile ground for future
problems. There are so many precedents, rules, regulations, and guidelines that clearly state the dangers
for placing someone with known conflicts in a position of authority or power over the same areas and
decisions that the conflict exists. {International, Domestic, and Local examples of rules and requirements.}
Because we clearly want the new Mayoral Administration to start off on the right foot without drama or
question about conflicted appointees, we urge the Council to be mindful of their own potential conflicts as
well as those of proposed appointees.
In closing when in doubt and as you serve as Council members, please keep our State Motto top of mind.
Remembering that while it was not adopted by the State until 1959 it was pronounced by King
Kamehameha III himself in 1843 and sets the right path for all of us.
Utt Muu ke Ea o krt `Rina i kca Pono
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
It is all of our legacies to make this our priority in our lives, in our actions, in our decisions, and
in our protections of our people and our lands. Doing the right things right will always hold us in
good stead. As you reflect upon appointees and their required duties and functioncz p e se be
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mindful that conflicts cast doubt and steer away from the goals set forth in our Motto and State
Constitution.
Respectful submitted,
Derek and Renbe'inaba
Kallua-Kona, HI
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