HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.039 2020-2022 From: Joel Cooperson
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2021 10:52 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Mark Van Pernis staying on the Leeward Planning Commission
As a 52 year resident of Kona and a retired 7-8 grade teacher here, I can honestly say that I have seen our community
grow. Many would say, out of control.
With that said, knowing Mark Van Pernis for over 40 years I can tell you that his heart is in Kona.
He and I have spoken many, many times about our love for Kona.
That's what makes this "smoke and mirror" show put on by Mr. Roth so disgusting.
If you have read the front page of West Hawaii Today, May 2, 2021 regarding West Hawaii shouldering the largest
part of the Island"s tax burden, all of the accusations directed at Mr. Van Pernis becomes crystal clear.
It isn't about Mr. Van Pernis' disability. It isn't about Mr.Van Pernis being "rude, insulting, confrontational or
condescending." Funny, Mr. Roth stated these and used the word "aloha" in the same piece.
The truth is that Mr. Van Pernis is an obstacle to Mr. Roth, Kern, Carr's focus on developing Kona more. This is all
about Mr. Van Pernis trying to hold developers accountable for providing deadlines that they will meet, creating more
infrastructure like roads and schools that will help with the horrific traffic and overloaded classrooms. This is only
about Kona providing more taxes for the Island and evaporating what makes Kona so special. The truth is that Mr.
Roth et. al want Mr. Van Pernis gone. Then they will run ramshod over Kona to create more development. Period.
Mr. Roth does not live in Kona. He does not experience our day to day travelling at 5-10 miles an hour to drive home
from work. He does not have children in a Kona school that is overcrowded.
He sees dollars. Mr. Van Pernis is needed more than ever to protect Kona residents and visitors from politicians
focused only on dollars.
Mahalo.
Joel Coop erson Kailua Kona, Hawaii * ,z
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