HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.125 2020-2022 COMM
From: Claude Thornton
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:03 PM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Subject: Appointment of Zendo Kern as Planning Director RECEIVED
Time
Date JAN 1 4 2021
Aloha Council members:
i
I initially submitted a letter on December 1, 2020 when I learned of Mr. Kern's nomination. Needless to say, I was amazed and
disenchanted by the Mayor's selection. My first letter concentrated on the basic principles that an elected official must observe
and uphold when representing the citizens of Hawaii. Especially, the principle of 'Ensuring the evolution of the community is 3
done properly and intelligently; thereby, adding lasting value and prosperity'. Mr. Kern neglected to address the macro
infrastructure needs of West Hawaii for the Kona Village development. The scale of this development was surely going to
outstrip the current infrastructure capabilities; therefore, undermining the lasting value, prosperity, and quality of life for West
Hawaii citizens, Mr. Kern's actions clearly demonstrated his allegiance and his unwavering devotion to the developer. Not
surprising, as he was hired by Mr. Wheeelock to perform in that capacity. But as our Planning Director, I am very worried about
Mr. Kern's partiality to developers. He may satisfy our apprehension by publicly stating he will 'recuse' himself from all projects.
However, professional relationships and past ethics complaints may put the community and public officials in an uncomfortable 3
and compromising position. The concept of'conflict in interest'will always be on the minds of The Board of Ethics, and the
concerned citizens of Hawaii. I feel that Mr. Kern as a nominated public official will bring suspicion and uneasiness to all.
The risks outweigh the benefits with his appointment as Planning Director.
Mahalo,
Claude Thornton
Comm. No. y�l•!1
Ref. o:
t Ref. Date JAN 21