HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 020 2021/06/15 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: June 15, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 279
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kona, Hawai i
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 279, reports as
follows:
Communication No. 279, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated May 26, 2021,
nominates Shani Armbruster to the Leeward Planning Commission. Pomaika`i Bartolome,
Executive Assistant to the Mayor was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Ms. Armbruster. Ms. Armbruster has been a full-time Hawaii County resident since 2014,
is an active member of the American Planning Association; has a master's degree in Urban
and Regional Planning, and has graduate level research and planning experience for community
resiliency, participatory democracy, land restoration, and transportation improvement projects.
Ms. Bartolome was joined by Planning Director Zendo Kern in the Hilo Council Chambers.
Ms. Armbruster was present in the Kona Chambers before Your Committee to answer any
questions or concerns.
Committee Member Holeka Inaba commended Ms. Armbruster for her educational background,
and asked her about her vision for Kona and the greater West Hawaii, to which she described
the importance of responsible planning to alleviate issues such as sea level rise and climate
change impacts, affordable housing, and transportation.
Committee Member Maile David noted that West Hawaii has been impacted by Supreme Court
decisions surrounding development, which sets precedent for what is allowed, and that has had
an explicit effect on West Hawai`i's cultural identity. Ms. Armbruster responded that her
experience in participatory democracy would guide her decisions and she believes in getting as
many community members involved as necessary to the stakeholder engagement process.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas, noting the cultural history and identity of West Hawaii,
asked how Ms. Armbruster would balance her responsibilities working for Tinguely
Development, a large developer, while having influence over public planning decisions.
Ms. Armbruster noted that she is well aware of how her appointment may look but knows her
values and will maintain community identity.
PC Report No.:20
PC-20 Page 2 June 15,2021
Committee Member Heather Kimball asked Ms. Armbruster how she would incorporate climate
change and maintain cultural identity into her planning decisions. Ms. Armbruster responded that
she is well aware of sea level rise, changing weather and precipitation patterns, and more
extreme weather events and natural disasters. She believes that change and evolution are
necessary to have the best access to healthcare, transportation, education, and resources.
Ms. Armbruster also advocated for community hubs to provide resources to communities and
serve as transportation stops as well.
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz noted that Ms. Armbruster has the credentials, education,
and experience to serve, and that she brings innovative thinking while balancing cultural
identity and place. Chair Kierkiewicz expressed her support her the nominee and believed
Ms. Armbruster understood the responsibility her decisions would have on current residents and
future generations.
The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation and passed with 5 "ayes" and 4 "noes." Committee Members Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Villegas initially voted"kanalua"before voting "no."
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication
No. 279, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Ms. Shani Armbruster to the
Leeward Planning Commission.
's
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
INABA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X
LEE LOY x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 20
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUL 0 7 2027