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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.002 2020-2022 i I COW.219 From: Cory Harden Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2021 11:12 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Armbruster Comm 279 PC June 15 comments on Communication 279 re. nomination of Shani Armbruster to Leeward Planning Commission 9 AM Tuesday, June 15, Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee from Cory Harden Please ensure that the Commission has members with solid track records in areas that will help them make wise decisions for our long-range future. The Commission often looks to the General Plan for guidance. The General Plan, in turn, covers a lot more than building density, traffic congestion, and parking problems. It sets forth the policy for"the comprehensive physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural wellbeing of the county."The General Plan considers "proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites... public access to the shorelines, and other open spaces... adequate drainage facilities and control; air pollution; and such other matter as may, in the council's judgment, promote the general welfare, health, and prosperity of its people." County Charter, Section 3-15 So it is vital that the Commission include members who have more than a passing acquaintance, with these matters. We need members who have a depth of knowledge, experience, and commitment as far as natural, cultural, and historic resources; public access laws; flood risk; pollution; and more. The people who lived here for hundreds of years with no Matson containers said "He ali'i ka 'aina; he kauwa ke kanaka"—"the land is a chief; man is its servant'. So, instead of doing land "use" planning, how about doing land "stewardship" planning? Let's ensure that we have Commissioners who are knowledgeable and qualified to do stewardship. Comm. No. Ref. To: Ref. ate JUN 1 5 2021 i