HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.010 2020-2022 PtPC
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Aloha Council Members, v ' '011 APR - '`
Dear Council Members, ` 3 : L %'
I am shocked and horrified that you have before you Communication 183, a letter from Mayor Mitch
Roth, urging your consideration of the removal of Mark Van Pernis from the Leeward Planning
Commission.
I read the letter and I see it as nothing more than removing a roadblock for the complete attack on Kona
for development, and nothing more.
Mr.Van Pernis has spent over 40 years in Kona as a very successful trial lawyer and now he is a member
of the Leeward Planning Commission. Personally knowing Mr.Van Pernis for all of those 40 years, I know
where his heart and soul is. It is,with no hesitation,for the betterment of the Kona community. Period.
Mr.Van Pernis has a speech disability but I can assure anyone, his mind is sharp and he knows what he
is focused on.Again,the betterment of the Kona community.Specifically holding developers
accountable. Removing wishy washy language that allow developers to apply and reapply for permits,
with those the community is growing beyond anyones' belief using data that is years old.
Why does Mr. Roth or Mr. Kern want Mr.Van Pernis to go away? Is it because Mr.Van Pernis is
concerned about smart growth for Kona. Has Mr. Kern made deals as an consultant that might not be so
favorably considered by the Leeward Planning Commission should anyone point out the problems? Or
does Mr. Roth want Mr.Van Pernis to go away because they just don't have the time to answer his
questions?Or is it too hard to deal with an ADA disability? In any event, the nastiness in Mr. Roth's
letter was highly disrespectful and makes me concerned about Mr. Roth as our mayor.
It appears, neither Mr. Kern or Mr. Roth care even a little for the well being of Kona.Just read the
newspaper and see that Mr. Kern wants to reduce Kona's inputs by delaying appointments with and
considered doing away with the KVDC.
And Mr. Roth appointing a pro surfer instead of two applicants, one with a masters and the other with a
doctorate defines Mr. Roth's commitment to Kona.
I was appalled to see in a meeting that when Mr.Van Pernis was speaking, at times, Mr. Kerns seemed
disinterested. Mr.Van Pernis has a law degree and has experience as a real estate attorney, he knows
the subdivisions and may be familiar with many of the projects that come before the Planning
Commission. Mr. Kern has experience as a real estate consultant....and does not even have a degree?
Possibly the Planning Director wants his job to be easier instead of doing the real work that will assist,
not burden Kona in its development.
Again, I implore the county council to disregard, Mr. Roth's attempt at silencing Mr. Van Pernis. I can
assure you that Kona is watching....closely.
Best regards.
Joel Cooperson
52 year resident.
Kona Hawai'i q I
Comm. No. uJ
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Ref. Dote APR - 6 202)