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3 <br /> I <br /> PORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: January 19, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 78 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 2:31 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication 78 reports as follows: <br /> Communication No. 87, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020, <br /> nominates Dennis Lin to the Windward Planning Commission. <br /> Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Pomaika`i Bartolome, was in Hilo Chambers to introduce the <br /> nominee. Dennis Lin grew up in Hilo, is a graduate of Waiakea High School and the University <br /> of Hawaii at Hilo, and has served on several boards. Mr. Lin is also a member of the Hawaii <br /> Island Chamber of Commerce. If confirmed, Mr. Lin will serve a term until December 31, 2024. <br /> Mr. Lin expressed his gratitude for being nominated to the commission, and stated that his work <br /> experience in the legal, banking, and construction industries gives him insight on how the <br /> commission's work can impact the community. <br /> Committee Members Sue Lee Loy and Heather Kimball expressed their support for Mr. Lin, and <br /> highlighted his accomplishments as a first generation son of immigrants, and the importance of <br /> having youth serve our community. <br /> Committee Member Tim Richards asked Mr. Lin to explain his comment on his interest to <br /> further the island's agricultural landscape; Mr. Lin responded that there is not enough being done <br /> to preserve the agricultural economy, and that it can be used to diversify the overall economy. <br /> Mr. Richards agreed and stated his support for the nomination. <br /> Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder voiced his concern regarding Mr. Lin's <br /> connection to HPM, calling it one of the largest home builders in the county, and the role <br /> Mr. Lin would take on the commission. Mr. Lin responded that HPM is a lumber supply <br /> company that in no way influences planning. Mr. Lin then said that he would recuse himself <br /> from any decision relating to HPM. <br /> Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed that she shared similar concerns with <br /> Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Ms. Villegas emphasized that long term connections and relationships <br /> can give people with power and authority benefits to their business. Mr. Lin responded that he <br /> will serve on the Commission as a citizen and resident, not on behalf of a business. <br /> PC Report No.: 4 <br />