HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.053 2020-2022 May 4, 2021
To: The Hawaii County Council
Re: Mark Van Pernis
From: Keith F. Unger
My name is Keith Unger and I had the privilege of serving on the Leeward Planning
Commission for 7 years (2013 — 2020), and I was the chair for the last 5 years of my
term. C- `
I emphasize privilege because privileges can be taken away.
It is my understanding that some council members are questioning why it took so lone
for them to be made aware of Mr. Van Pernis' pattern of conduct. For the record,
immediately after his first meeting held on February 20, 2020, 1 wrote a detailed emafh
to Councilpersons David and Eoff describing his behavior, the chaos it created and
requested that they attend the next hearing.
In 2003, this same behavior resulted in Mr. Van Pernis having his law license suspended.
Harassing, embarrassing, delaying and burdening, among other things where described
in this Order of Suspension.
The confirmation of Mr Van Pernis was controversial from the beginning. Now, after 16
months on the Leeward Planning Commission it is clear this behavior continues and why
his confirmation was so divisive.
Mr Van Pernis' speech disability is not the issue here. The issue is his professional
conduct and in my opinion, this will not change by taking classes.
To the best of my knowledge, no Leeward Planning commissioner has stepped forward
to offer their support for him. To the contrary, all commissioners providing testimony
have testified against him. I ask you to apply more weight to these individual
testimonies, as they are the ones that have to sit through these difficult hearings.
People need to be held accountable for their behavior. Therefore I strongly support the
removal of Mr. Van Pernis from the Leeward Planning Commission.
Comm. No.
Ref. a: G
Ref. ate MAY0 4 2021