HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.017 2020-2022 P/PC
COMM.183
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From: Sue Grose
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Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2021 10:25 AM
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Communication 183 public testimony
Aloha,
I voted for Mitch Roth and had great hope that he would bring efficient management and an objectivity to the office, allowing him to
see West side as well as East side issues, creatively look to a future less dependent on tourism and be less subject to the interests of
developers over residents. I hoped he would listen to diverse viewpoints, attend to concerns of residents over special interests and
make wise decisions.
Needless to say I was more than disappointed with his appointments of Zendo Kern and Ikaika Rodenhurst both because of their lack
of qualifications for such key posts and for Kern's long history as a paid advocate for developers, absorbing the viewpoint he
supported every day as most people would. Unqualified and biased is a poor start.
Kern's bias was demonstrated quickly with his "accidental" approval of a project he lobbied for. Far more concerning, he has the
mayor's support in wanting to quash the KVDC and the CDP committee, no doubt asking annoying questions. Which is precisely why
they shouldn't be muzzled.
I agree with Mark Van Pernis' recent letter to WHT: "There is concern that Mayor Mitch Roth and his appointee Mr.Zendo Kern may
want to return to a Hilo-centric government,where prospective West Hawaii developers need only go to Hilo for the planning
director's and mayor's approval, not to both Kona and Hilo, like now. (Remember Hokulia/Oceanside 1250?) What little voice Kona
now has for its independence should be preserved, if not enhanced. From the WHT article,which quotes Mr. Kern, it appears an
effort against West Hawaii will be made by starving the KVDC and the Kona CDP committee of official new members by Mr. Roth
refusing to appoint commission and committee members suggested to the mayor for appointment and supported by West Hawaii
councilpersons unless Mr. Kern pronounces them "appropriate" (his word),which is believed by some to mean docile and pro-
development."
Now I read in WHT"Mayor Mitch Roth wants to oust Mark Van Pernis from the powerful Leeward Planning Commission, in what
could be an unprecedented action that is, however,within the authority of the mayor and County Council as defined by the county
charter." I agree with North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba who said he was "shocked"to see the letter. "In my attendance of the
commission meetings, I have seen Commissioner Van Pernis bring balance and a unique perspective to the group," Inaba said. "I look
forward to further explanation for this request during the April 6 Planning Committee meeting."
As another disturbing item, I read in WHT that "Just four months into his four-year term, Mayor Mitch Roth has lost his first top
official, with Merrick Nishimoto leaving as deputy director of the Department of Public Works....
Command attributed Nishimoto's departure to a difference in management style between the deputy and the director." I agree with
Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas: "It's no secret that I believe the new director did not have the qualifications required in our charter
for appointment to that position. Without Merrick there, I am even more worried about the well-being of our DPW Department and
its staff. Merrick has decades of experience and a legacy of serving our county with honor, integrity, humility and servant
leadership."
Yet another concern is the announcement that the new multi-department software project would be done with a "burn the ships"
approach without any indication of management skills to effectively accomplish such a complex task.
When will damage control start? How much damage can we accept before the County Council takes whatever action it can?
Is there any hope that Mitch Roth will recognize that Kern and Rodenhurst can easily turn him into a one term mayor?
Sue Grose 1�'�.1�
Comm. No. Ip
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date APR - 6 2021