HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.079 2020-2022 i
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From: Meredith Buck
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2021 9:44 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Villegas, Rebecca; Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka; David, Maile; Kanealii-I<leinfelder, Matt
Subject: Planning Committee meeting - Comm.44
Aloha mai kakou,
My name is Meredith Buck, and I am a resident of District 7, Kailua Kona. I am writing to share my testimony in opposition of Zendo
Kern's appointment to County Planning Director.
My primary concern with this appointment is Mr. Kern's current and past representation of developers and private clients. As a
constituent, I want my priorities to be represented at all levels of local government. I do not support further development on our
island and especially not in Kona or Hilo,where infrastructure is already at capacity. I also believe that to view the"underdeveloped"
parts of our island as ripe and available for development is not only culturally insensitive and environmentally damaging, it's simply
illogical and puts unnecessary additional pressure on our communities.
Additionally, there is no evidence representing Mr. Kern's training or experience in recognized government planning; education
beyond high school; or administrative service or employment in local, state, or federal planning agencies.
While I do not believe that specific forms of education and experience necessarily result in a better candidate, I cannot ignore the
conflict of interest that Zendo Kern's past and current commitments betrays. We need affordable housing for Kanaka Maoli, not high
rises for snowbirds from Minneapolis. We need to support existing local businesses, not more multinational corporations. We need
to plan Hawai'i FOR Hawai'i — it's not for sale.And in order to do that,there needs to be a Planning Director who can, will, and
indeed has already put this community first,time and time again.
I humbly offer this testimony for your review at Monday's council meeting. I truly appreciate your favorable consideration and look
forward to learning of the results.
I ka 16kahi e,
Meredith
96740
Comm. No.. "�'t• iN
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1 Ref. tate JAN 2021