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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 013 2021/03/17 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: March 17, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 162 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 162, reports as follows: Communication No. 162, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 24, 2021, nominates Clement Kanuha III to the Leeward Planning Commission. If confirmed, Mr. Kanuha will represent North Kona and serve a term to end December 31, 2025. Pomaika`i Bartolome was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Kanuha. Mr. Kanuha has been a resident of Hawaii Island for over 30 years and has contributed numerous hours of service towards various foundations. Mr. Kanuha was present in the Kona Chambers, and spoke of his experience serving the community and in entrepreneurship having several businesses. He stated that he is surrounded by lawyers and would familiarize himself with local and State laws, and that he would work hard to ensure any decisions coming before him in Commission would benefit all districts and the island-wide community. Committee Member Holeka Inaba expressed gratitude for Mr. Kanuha's willingness to step up and serve. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas stressed that the Leeward Planning Commission has a large influence on development and the affected communities. She expressed concern over the procedure for assigning applicants to commissions. Out of several commission choices listed by Mr. Kanuha, Ms. Villegas questioned the decision to start such a demanding and high-profile commission as his first to serve on. Ms. Bartolome explained the reasons, with two of the commissions not currently ready to fill, and with Mr. Kanuha's interest in serving on the Leeward Planning Commission. Planning Director Zendo Kern was present in the Hilo Chambers and responded that the Mayor's Office and Planning Department are coordinating to have a well-balanced commission that will benefit all districts island wide. Committee Member Kaneali`i Kleinfelder asked Mr. Kanuha about his views on preserving coastlines and economic development, noting that in his position he often thinks about the long-lasting impacts decisions will have on his children and future generations. Mr. Kanuha responded that there is a need to balance economic development with the environment to lift communities up. PC Report No: 13 PC-13 Page 2 March 17,2021 Committee Member Tim Richards asked Mr. Kanuha if he is aware of the amount of time this position takes up, and if whether or not Mr. Kanuha is capable of committing to it. Mr. Kanuha emphatically expressed his desire to serve,that he has begun homework already, and stated his eagerness to make time to serve on this board so important to the community. Committee Member Heather Kimball noted that she is very pleased with the Administration's selections for boards and committees, noting that there have been more women, people of color, and Native Hawaiians and that there is a broad willingness to collaborate with communities. Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz thanked Mr. Kanuha for his willingness to serve, and Ms. Bartolome for her diligence on her nomination selections. Pursuant to Hawaii County Charter Chapter 7, Section 6-7.4,there shall be a Leeward Planning Commission which shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable recommendation and passed with eight"ayes," and Council Chair Maile David absent and excused. Chair Kierkiewicz informed Mr. Kanuha that he need not be present for final confirmation at full Council. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication 162, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Clement Kanuha III to the Leeward Planning Commission. js AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PLANNING INABA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL X LEE LOY x ASHLEY L. KIERKI WICZ, CHAIR RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 13 VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: APR 0 7 2021