HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0161.002 2020-2022 i
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P.O. Box 6960, Kamuela,HI 96743 d Cell: $0$-937-2$33
March 1 ,2021
TO. ASHLEY L. KIERKIE ICZ, Chair and Presiding {officer
All Hawaii County Council Planning Committee Members
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REe Comm. 161: NOMINATION OF DANA ASIS TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 24,
2021, requesting the Council's review and confirmations
Committee Meeting—Wed., March 17, 2021
Email: counciltestimon hawaiicount . ov
Thank you for making time to react this testimony supporting the nomination of Gana _
Asis to Hawai'i County's Leeward Planning Commission.
I have known Cana for more than five years and have been repeatedly impressed by the
time she personally commits to learning about and supporting ourWaimea/North Hawai'i
community. Showing up and then jumping in to do some of the needed heavy lifting
means a great deal to me--and here is someone who runs her own small business in
real estate, yet dedicates hundreds of hours each year to volunteering in our queen's
North Hawaii Community Hospital ER—even taking the initiative to participate in
volunteer trainings to improve her ability to support patients and their families as well as
the doctors, nurses and other medical staff.
She also is a"regular"at our monthly {now virtual}Waimea Town Meetings and clearly
follows the news and community planning issues including the long-running General
Plan update and Community Development Planning process. She does so, not for
personal gain but her clear commitment to supporting a healthier community for all.
Recently, in the midst of this pandemic when we as an island (along with the rest of the
state and country) are struggling to feed children and families, she went out of her way
to encourage fellow realtors to make a financial contribution to a food program.
However, there was more to it than just making a donation and moving on. She took it
upon herself to carefully research which organization would best serve the need on this
island, and then stood up to advocate for Hawal'i Island Food Basket rather than the
state Food Bank, which contrary to flowery language, does not in fact support our island.
I appreciate this attention to detail and I think this kind of thoughtfulness and empathy,
coupled with a demonstrated willingness to listen and learn, will help her serve our
district well on the planning commission.
As you well know, Planning Commissions are Advisory, but they can and should help
serve as community"eyes and ears"for the Council. There will be much to learn but her
real estate work has given her an active understanding of the planning, zoning and
financing process, the wide array of environmental, social and cultural considerations
involved, and the urgent, practical need to address outcomes and consequences.
I am grateful she is willing to dedicate time to the commission and urge the Council to
please approve this nomination. Mahalo for your time and your service to our island
community, too. ---f
Comm. No.
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Ref. Date MAR1,