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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: March 17, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 162 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 162, reports as <br /> follows: <br /> Communication No. 162, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 24, 2021, <br /> nominates Clement Kanuha III to the Leeward Planning Commission. If confirmed, Mr. Kanuha <br /> will represent North Kona and serve a term to end December 31, 2025. <br /> Pomaika`i Bartolome was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Kanuha. Mr. Kanuha <br /> has been a resident of Hawaii Island for over 30 years and has contributed numerous hours of <br /> service towards various foundations. Mr. Kanuha was present in the Kona Chambers, and spoke <br /> of his experience serving the community and in entrepreneurship having several businesses. He <br /> stated that he is surrounded by lawyers and would familiarize himself with local and State laws, <br /> and that he would work hard to ensure any decisions coming before him in Commission would <br /> benefit all districts and the island-wide community. <br /> Committee Member Holeka Inaba expressed gratitude for Mr. Kanuha's willingness to step up <br /> and serve. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas stressed that the Leeward Planning <br /> Commission has a large influence on development and the affected communities. She expressed <br /> concern over the procedure for assigning applicants to commissions. Out of several commission <br /> choices listed by Mr. Kanuha, Ms. Villegas questioned the decision to start such a demanding <br /> and high-profile commission as his first to serve on. Ms. Bartolome explained the reasons, with <br /> two of the commissions not currently ready to fill, and with Mr. Kanuha's interest in serving on <br /> the Leeward Planning Commission. Planning Director Zendo Kern was present in the Hilo <br /> Chambers and responded that the Mayor's Office and Planning Department are coordinating to <br /> have a well-balanced commission that will benefit all districts island wide. <br /> Committee Member Kaneali`i Kleinfelder asked Mr. Kanuha about his views on preserving <br /> coastlines and economic development, noting that in his position he often thinks about the <br /> long-lasting impacts decisions will have on his children and future generations. Mr. Kanuha <br /> responded that there is a need to balance economic development with the environment to lift <br /> communities up. <br /> PC Report No: 13 <br />