HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.017 2020-2022 i
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From: Hoala Kealakekua
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Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 1:36 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: LPC Nomination
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Alayna DeBina and I am the Secretary of Ho'ala Kealakekua. We are a non-profit organization that has an Adoption
agreement with State Parks to Malama the Wahl Pana at Kealakekua Bay State Park. I am also part of the CAP for Kealakekua
Bay State Park and the Cultural Advisory'Ghana for Kealakekua Bay.
I would like to submit my testimony in opposition to the nomination of Ms. Shani Armbruster to the Leeward Planning
Commission. I know Ms.Armbruster personally, and although I think she is a wonderful person and a qualified candidate, I
don't feel that her interests would be in alignment with what is actually best for our Community.
During Ms. Armbruster's residency on Hawai'i Island for the past seven years she has served as a Project Manager for Tinguley
Development, one of West Hawaii's largest real estate development and general contracting firms. It should also be noted
that during this last election season, Mayor Roth's campaign received$1,500 in donations from Tinguely Development
President, Phil Tinguely. I personally do not find anything wrong with this contribution, nor do I feel that it is of much
relevance, but it is part of the facts surrounding her nomination and merits mentioning.
Rather, I am urging Mayor Roth to nominate Ku'ulei Keakealani, a Native Hawaiian female applicant with generations of
connection to the people and stories of this land. Ms. Keakealani has professional experience as the Cultural Director for Hui
Aloha K7holo and Ka'upulehu Interpretive Center at Kalaemano. In addition,she has been a community service member with
numerous organizations including the Federal Rivers and Trails Conservation (RTCA) Program, Kai Kuleana Network, Hui Loko
Network, Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children, Ka'upulehu Foundation, and Pu'uwa'awa'a Advisory Council
to name a few.
I think that we need a commissioner who understands this 'aina and the needs of its people. And not only the needs of its
people, but more importantly, its culture. I understand that Development is inevitable, and change will happen whether we
are for or against it in many cases, but Ms. Armbruster's seven years as a resident and development manager in West Hawaii
does not represent this perspective. I urge you to vote "NO" on Communication 279.
Sincerely,
Alayna DeBina
Secretary
Ho'ala Kealakekua
Com
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