HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.148 2020-2022 GOMM.44
Testimony re. PC-2 Communication 44: Zendo Kern for Planning Director
for Hawaii County Council 9 AM Wednesday, February 3, 2021
from Cory Harden, Hilo 333coryqmail.com
I give Mr. Kern credit for his successful business and his volunteer service with the Water Board, Planning
Commission, and Downtown Hilo. But I don't think he's the right choice for Planning Director.
Mr. Kern plans to give the Board of Ethics a list of his past clients, to see how often he might need to
recuse himself. It would have been helpful for Councilmembers and the public to see that list before
today's meeting. But County Council staff told me they don't see it in their records.
Mr. Kern has submitted a new resume, which claims he held "responsible planning position[s]". E
But his planning in private business had a narrow focus: promoting the interests of his clients. The
mission of the County Planning Department is far broader "To foster an improved quality of life for the- ›,,,,-.773,H
island of Hawai'i's communities through responsible and progressive planning." 90 2i
https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/about-us/about-the-department
_._
One duty of the Planning Director is to"Administer the subdivision and zoning ordinances and regulations
adopted there under." Hawai'i County Charter 6-72 (b) (5)
But a number of Mr. Kern's "responsible planning position[s]"were aimed, on the contrary, at getting
around these ordinances and regulations.
Several of his projects were opposed by the Planning Department and by many community members, for
flaws such as:
• nonconformance with the General Plan and Community Development Plan
• inappropriate use of agricultural land
• inadequate infrastructure, traffic safety, and school capacity
• noise and light pollution
• invasive species
• impacts to archaeological sites
The closest Mr. Kern came to a responsible government planning position was chair of the County
Council Planning Committee, but this does not meet the Charter requirement for three years'
administrative experience. Hawaii County Charter 5-42
Mr. Kern's old resume mistakenly says he got his contractor license in 2004. His new resume corrects
that to 2005.
But there's another problem--his old resume says "Superior Development Group...President,
Owner...Licensed general contractor...6/2003–7/2010".
Does he mean the contractor in 2003 was him—despite no license till 2005? Or was it someone else?
His old resume also says he worked for Kern &Associates/Zendo Kern Planning Consultant starting in
2014. But the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website says the registration date for
Zendo Kern Planning Consultant is 2018.
It is disappointing that this second try at a resume for a high-level position contains errors and confusing
statements.
Please do not confirm this nomination.
Comm. No 44•t41)
Ref. To: P(LOuhL{1
Ref. Date FEB -. 3 2023