HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.108 2020-2022 Comm.44
From: Michele Lefebvre
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 9:24 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Planning Department Cabinet Pick: Support for Zendo Kern
3
I would like to encourage the Council to consider approving Mitch Roth's Cabinet pick for the Planning Department, Zendo Kern.
I'm an environmental scientist here in Hilo and I've worked with Zendo before. I have a Ph.D. in Biology and about 18 years
experience working in environmental consulting, with 6 years experience working here in Hawaii. I've seen firsthand how Zendo
brings common sense to the table. Our island needs a predictable process for development, and not just any development, but
the kind of development that follows the rules and helps the island grow and diversify economically.
I've seen press in opposition to Zendo Kern that comes across as NIMBY-ism, and portraying Zendo is pro-development. I don't
think that's true. I can't think of any of us who have diverse experience like Zendo who work in Planning or Environmental
Consulting have that mindset, even though we work for developers. The job of a planning consultant is to help your client follow
rules and the law, and we follow ethical guidelines. I see Zendo follow those same guidelines in his work.
Please consider him for the post. I think he will guide the Planning Department to a place where the right kind of development
can find predictable process to follow our rules and make our island a viable place for people to live and work.
Sincerely,
Michele Lefebvre, Ph.D.
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Ref. To• P G
1 Ref. Mote 9 2021