HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.019 2020-2022 p/Pe
CQM41.l3
From: Debbie H
Sent: Saturday, April 03, 2021 10:59 AM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
Subject: Fwd: Planning Committee meeting RE: Mark Van Pernis RECEIVED �,(
Time 10.59 as • BY OU
Date APR 0 3 2021
Aloha Planning Committee members-
My name is Debbie Hecht, I am writing in support of Mark Van Pernis. I live in District 8, which Mark
represents on the Leeward Planning Commission. I have been impressed with how willing he was to talk
to me. I have always thought that people who serve on Boards and Commissions represent the people of
that District. I served on the Public Access, open Space and Natural Resources Commission and we did
not always agree, some people had different styles and were upset with the system, the County and
vented in meetings. We seemed to work it out.
I very much object to all the gossip and hearsay that I have been hearing on Facebook about Mark Van
Pernis. People saying things like: " I heard from very well informed and positive people that Mark is
creating a hostile workplace." When I asked if she had first-hand knowledge she said "no". I hope you will
sort out the gossip and hearsay and rely on first-hand knowledge and dispense with the virulent character
assassination.
That being said, here is my first-hand knowledge as a constituent of District 8. I had questions on the
Campbell/ Platt rezoning in Kaloko that came before the Leeward Planning Commission. I got in touch
with Kristi Van Pernis and asked her if she would have Mark call me. I wasn't sure he would call, but we
talked for about half an hour. I called him another time about the several conflicts of interest, and we also
talked about the Bed and Breakfast being approved by the Leeward Planning Commission that was still on
a cesspool right on Ali'i Drive. He called me about another issue and we talked again. Sometimes he was
hard to hear and I had to ask him to repeat what he said, but we had a good discussion. I wondered if it
ever frustrated him to be asked to repeat his words. I learned new things each time I spoke with him. I
came away from both interactions much better informed and impressed and grateful that he took the time
to speak with me.
Aren't Boards and Commissions meant to be a cross section of the people of the island? Isn't it up to
these leaders to get along, just like we all try to get along in our communities? Democracy is messy, so are
Boards and Commissions. Shouldn't commissioners focus on the issues, not personalities? Maybe a
Civility Code needs to be part of the Oath of Office each member takes? Maybe we need to have this
posted in our public meeting spaces. I believe that Hawaii County needs to return to Civility and Aloha.
Mahalo for your service!
Debbie Hecht
Civility Works! Together we will:
Promote inclusion Share and respect diverse perspectives
Listen to understand Be attentive, ask questions to clarify and confirm our understanding
Show respect Value all perspectives and look for common grounda
Comm. No. ` •'-1
Be clear and fair Explain our positions and our reasoning Ref.To: P IK/
1 Ref. Date APR - 6 2021