HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.085 2020-2022 i
De Rego's Service
P.O. Box 595 Honokaa, HI 96727
Ph.: (808) 776-1625 Fax: (808) 776-1685
Email: deregosservice@aol.com
i
COt Ii TY CLERK
January 17,2021 COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED j
Ashley Kerkiewiez,Chair
Heather Kimball, member
Planning Committee Dai�e IAN 1 Z 2021
Hawaii County Council
25 aupuni Street
Milo,Hawaii 96720
Re: appointment of Zendo Kern as Planning Director
Confirmation Hearing: Tuesday,January 19,2021
Dear Planning Chair Kerkiewicz,Ms. Kimball, and fellow Planning Committee members:
I strongly support the appointment of Zendo Kern as Planning Director.
i
I was born and raised in the Honokaa area and have worked as a licensed general contractor in the
Ilamakua,Waimea and Kohala areas for many years. My work generally involves site work and
infrastructure installation, as well as other responsibilities, and I work with many regular people
who simply need construction help with their properties--both residences and commercial
businesses. This requires me to interact with County agencies on a regular basis to perform my
duties to make sure all permitting requirements are met.
No doubt you have heard how frustrated people have gotten in recent years over how slow and
dysfunctional this process has become. My clients often wait many, many months just to secure
simple building permits for additions to their home or business, or to just build a home. It did not
used to be that way. Work gets stalled, or can never even begin,while we have to wait for one sign-
off or another by Public Works, or Planning, or some other agency. I understand the need for
appropriate permitting, but I do not understand why the process has become so completely
broken. Delays cost money, and drive up the cost of everything. I am extremely concerned about
the Big Island being able to remain an affordable place to live for my kids and grandkids.
Based upon what I know about Mayor Roth, he understands and sincerely wants to tackle these
problems, and improve interdepartmental cooperation. Zendo Kern's knowledge and experience
will be of great assistance to the Mayor in bringing about the necessary reforms. I encourage you
to confirm his appointment.
Mahalo nui loa,
Gary De Rego
Comm. No.
Ref. o: G
Ref. (date J °�G I 2U21