HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 004 2021/01/19 (2020-2022) 3
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PORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: January 19, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 78
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 2:31 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication 78 reports as follows:
Communication No. 87, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020,
nominates Dennis Lin to the Windward Planning Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Pomaika`i Bartolome, was in Hilo Chambers to introduce the
nominee. Dennis Lin grew up in Hilo, is a graduate of Waiakea High School and the University
of Hawaii at Hilo, and has served on several boards. Mr. Lin is also a member of the Hawaii
Island Chamber of Commerce. If confirmed, Mr. Lin will serve a term until December 31, 2024.
Mr. Lin expressed his gratitude for being nominated to the commission, and stated that his work
experience in the legal, banking, and construction industries gives him insight on how the
commission's work can impact the community.
Committee Members Sue Lee Loy and Heather Kimball expressed their support for Mr. Lin, and
highlighted his accomplishments as a first generation son of immigrants, and the importance of
having youth serve our community.
Committee Member Tim Richards asked Mr. Lin to explain his comment on his interest to
further the island's agricultural landscape; Mr. Lin responded that there is not enough being done
to preserve the agricultural economy, and that it can be used to diversify the overall economy.
Mr. Richards agreed and stated his support for the nomination.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder voiced his concern regarding Mr. Lin's
connection to HPM, calling it one of the largest home builders in the county, and the role
Mr. Lin would take on the commission. Mr. Lin responded that HPM is a lumber supply
company that in no way influences planning. Mr. Lin then said that he would recuse himself
from any decision relating to HPM.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed that she shared similar concerns with
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Ms. Villegas emphasized that long term connections and relationships
can give people with power and authority benefits to their business. Mr. Lin responded that he
will serve on the Commission as a citizen and resident, not on behalf of a business.
PC Report No.: 4
PC-4 Page 2 January 19,2021
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz noted the importance of providing the younger generation,
such as Mr. Lin, opportunities to serve the community in order to build capacity and voiced her
support for the nominee.
The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to council with a favorable
recommendation.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 78,
and recommends confirmation of Dennis Lin to the Windward Planning Commission.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG x
DAVID x CO TTEE ON PLANNING
INABA x
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER x
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x
LEE LOY x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 4
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: FEB 0 3 2021