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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0279.019 2020-2022 3 i Cindy Freitas i i 3 I I 3 June 17, 2021 I 3 County Council of Hawaii County coul-iciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov 3 RE: OPPOSITION ON Communication 279 I 1 Aloha, My name is Cindy Freitas and I'm a Native Hawaiian descended of the native inhabitants of Hawaii prior to 1778 and barn and raised in Hawai'i. I am also a practitioner who still practice the cultural traditional customary practices that was instill in me by my grandparents at a young age from mauka (MOUNTAIN TO SEA) to makai in many areas. I'm submitting testimony in opposition to the nomination of Ms. Shani Armbruster to the Leeward Planning Commission. While Ms. Armbruster has been kind enough to apply for this position, she has been a full time Hawaii island resident for only seven years. During these 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 is also important to note that during this last election season, Mayor Roth's campaign received $1,500 in donations from Tinguely Development President, Phil Tinguely. At this time, we are aware that Mayor Roth could have nominated 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 Kiholo and Ka`upulehu Intepretive Center at Kalaemano. In addition she has been a community service member with numerous organizations including the Federal Rivers and Trails Conservation (RICA) 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. Currently, we need a commissioner who understands this `aina and the needs of its people. 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. Mahalo nui. —/s/ Cindy Freitas COMM. Ref. Toe Ref.