HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.163 2020-2022 P/Council
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January 31, 2021
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County of Hawaii,Council Members y
RE: Mayor Mitch Roth, Director Appointees(Zendo Kern).
Dear Esteemed County of Hawaii Council Members;
I am writing as a concerned yet encouraged longtime(35 yr.) resident, businessman and a 3 generation Kamaaina
(my daughter and her family live in Kona). My name is Phil Tinguely. You may be aware of our company's
(Tinguely Development, Inc.)commercial activity and contributions to predominantly the westside(North Kohala
to South Kona)of this incredible island we have the great privilege to call home. As a builder and small residential
developer,we're regularly interacting with virtually all Departments in County Government.
So,when at the time Mayor Elect, Mitch Roth asked if I would be involved in his selection process of Dept.
Director's, I was most honored and made all the time necessary to fulfill my duties in this capacity.
When approached I asked Mitch "why me"and he indicated he was seeking guidance and direction from a variety
of business leaders active in our community from across the island. He wanted to take advantage of constituents
committed to the betterment of our entire island community and sought guidance in vetting what turned out to be
a very intense process for all those involved. I was not only honored but incredibly excited to draw on every aspect
of my forty-five-year business career to this responsibility. I was involved in providing the recommendations
leading to the selection of several Directorships(not Planning Director).
Amid all the current challenges and negative occurrences,a result of the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic it was most
lifting to see our newly elected Mayor quickly jumping into action seeking solutions to stabilize and hasten the
recovery of our islands struggling economy. Hiring competent,capable and committed Department Heads was
one of his first objectives and I believe given my close connection to the process he has successfully done so.
Zendo Kern as current acting Planning Director has repeatedly stated his focus is to do what is good for the entire
island. With obvious compassion he has communicated his vision (consistent with the Mayor's)to see the
Planning Dept. quickly and thoughtfully respond to what all will agree is altogether a different environment. His �..,
intimate knowledge of the varied geographic,varied cultures and vast separations in the socioeconomic needs
across the island support his ability to make the necessary decisions in matters affecting the future quality of life in
all areas(Districts)of our island.
He has stated his intentions to provide a clearer line of communication to you folks(Council Members)as well the
constituencies island wide regarding his positions on significant matters under his jurisdiction. Mayor Roth has
also stated he'd prefer to be closer to Council Members in communication to maintain trust and eliminate the
potential for divide and dissention. We all can see the benefits of something as simple and productive as
cooperation.
I have been faced with this conundrum the entire time I've lived and worked in Kona. Opposition to a "pro-
development" mindset is most generally to be interpreted as"no" or"anti-development." If this is an underlining
reason Zendo Kern is being criticized as not having the experience, I would like to remind those on the Council
considering this position. Across the island Development has historically brought roads to neighborhoods and
commercial centers,extended vital utilities, provided waste water system installations, expanded or built parks for
the entire community to enjoy,schools, brought businesses and commerce vital to our islands economy and
delivered most all housing opportunities to every corner of the island. +,
Comm. No. u'1A.10
Ref.To: P1CAMh&l
Ref. Date FEB - 3 2021
January 31, 2021
Today, unexpectedly our local economy and quite ironically is almost solely dependent upon the construction, real
estate and land development sectors. This is currently where most jobs on the Big Island are available. Pending a
reliable and hopefully permanent solution to the Pandemic occurrences, I can speak with firsthand knowledge
focusing on streamlining the Building Permit processing will be linked to our community's recovery. We've advised
the current administration by providing a more predictable process with"reasonable"time considerations is a
solid and hopefully sustainable beginning.
Until tourism and all the related businesses can fully recover why wouldn't we immediately consider focusing
attention to improving the permit application processes within perhaps ALL the Departments involved. Zendo has
indicated this to be one of his primary intentions.
In doing so we've indirectly assisted in lifting those young families across our island whom are solely focused on
working(multiple jobs). While, having to constantly concern themselves as to the status of their children without
public schools. Having to seek out what little housing (let alone affordable)may exist as needed. Address how
best to transport themselves to the construction project or limited hospitality jobs available on the West side while
residing in Puna. All attempting to balance while living in the COVID-19 era. Seems almost impossible to
comprehend.
In conjunction,to what some are characterizing as a"real estate boom"we can foresee the future of the Property
Tax base. It is destined to measurably increase the County of Hawaii revenue commensurately.
In anticipation we should further bridge the Public Service sector with Private Business/Enterprise, utilizing ever
advancing technology and atypical funding resources. For example,we can collectively address our dilapidated
wastewater plants and implement better solutions with regards to the future of handling our solid waste. We can
see more comprehensive public/private partnerships in the ever-growing demand for potable water. Improve
our Parks and their operations through Community/Corporate/Business Partnerships,etc.
In matters of interpreting the County Charter as to the extent of the minimum experience required for the position
of Planning Director in this case may or may not be precisely met. Inevitably, it really comes down the quality of
the person. Zendo Kern was confirmed by Mayor Roth to be the best candidate for the job and quite frankly I
agree. We've seen past administrations appointing Directors whom arrive from somewhere else along with
impressive credentials only to spend their term in service learning to adapt and at times struggling to fit in a
culture and a place in the world that is truly like no other.
I encourage you to look favorably at Zendo Kern for Planning Director.
Respectfully,
Phil Tinguely
President
Tinguely Development, Inc.
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