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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.111 2020-2022 i ROGER V. MEEKER ATTORNEY AT LAW I P.O. Box 57 HAWAII NATIONAL PARK HAWAII 96718 EMAIL: RVM.TIKIOGMAIL.COM PHONE: (808) 557-2223 3 3 3 COUNTY CLERK I 16 January 2021 COUNTY OF HAWAIII t RECEIVED Time .m. Ashley Kerkiewicz, Chair Planning Committee Date JAN 1 7 2021 Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 3 Re: Appointment of Zendo Kern as Planning Director County Council Planning Committee hearing lanuary 19, 2021 Aloha, I support the appointment of Zendo Kern as County Planning Director. However, I would like to address some of the arguments that have been asserted by those opposing his appointment. The criticism seems centered around concerns that Mr. Kern will be faced with conflicts of interest because of previous clients he's represented,that he is ostensibly"pro"-development,and that he lacks the qualifications to serve as Planning Director. None of that criticism is justified. First, conflicts of interest are not a new issue. It is necessary and important to provide government with knowledgable and experienced individuals,whether that be executives, legislators or judges. By definition, conflict of interest situations arise—and all branches of government,at all levels, use recusal as the method by which they are addressed. Recusal is a full and complete remedy. It should be noted that Mr. Kern has made it abundantly clear that he will recuse himself in the event a previous client has applications or other matters before the Department. To his credit, he has also voluntarily asked the Board of Ethics to comment on any concerns they may have. Second,to paint Mr. Kern as "pro-development" because he's been a planning consultant is misguided and totally unreasonable. Consultants are hired for their knowledge and expertise. It's not fair to condemn a planning consultant for a project his client is proposing any more than it is fair to condemn an attorney for representing a criminal,or a doctor for treating a injured DUI driver. Mr. Kern came from humble beginnings, and was an early adopter of green initiatives. In short, don't conflate a consultant's viewpoints with the client's. Some developments are appropriate, some are not. The community—through Council hearings, Planning Commission hearings, Board of Appeals, Land Use Commission, etc.—has ample opportunity to weigh in on projects that are being considered and which may have issues of concern. The process more than adequately protects the community,and to suggest that Mr. Kern will somehow go rogue and ramrod inappropriate development into our neighborhoods is not supported by any objective examination of his background. Comm. No. W-111 Ref. To: U Ref. Fate 2021 Third,Zendo Kern is easily as qualified,or more so,than most previous Planning Directors were when first assuming the position. He knows the planning process. He's worked on it in one role or another for years, both in his oversight roles as a County Councilman and Chairman of the East Hawaii Planning Commission,and as a consultant for his private client applicants. He has viewed the process from both perspectives. Ask yourselves how many previous Hawaii County planning directors brought as much broad real-world planning experience to the position. Finally,the lack of a college degree is a true red herring,as it certainly has not prevented him from being an impressively successful entrepreneur—and public servant—in many diverse endeavors. Planning Director is not—or should not be—a learn-ion-the-job,position. It's too important,and to actually find someone who was raised on the Big Island, know*the people,and is familiar with the many unique challenges we face,is a blessing. Mayor Roth chose Zendo Kern because.he was impressed with his intelligence, his energy,his diverse background, his deep understanding rstanding and experience with planning issues,and his ability to think creatively—"outside the box"—to explore new ways to address those challenges. One of Mr. Roth's clearly-stated missions in running for mayor was"to change the culture of government to help people thrive.- He has clearly articulated the challenges presented by our high cost of living,the lack of quality jobs,and affordable housing. He believes in social justice reform. He understands the critical need for departments to work cooperatively to make the County more efficient and responsive to residents' needs. In my opinion,those qualifies speak very highly of a politician. It seems to me that Mayor Roth has assembled a superb team of individuals to head up his departments,who very much believe in these same goals,and are willing to tackle these challenges. The voters of the Big Island trusted Mitch Roth to form that team. The County Council should give the Mayor the benefit of the doubt and do the same by confirming his appointment of Zendo Kern as Planning Director. In short,you won't find a more qualified and knowledgeable applicant than Zendo Kern,and I believe he'll prove to be an outstanding Planning Director. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Roger V. Meeker