HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.025 2020-2022 i
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From: Kilihea Inaba
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 9:47 PM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY of WAI
Subject: Communication 279 RECEIVED
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Aloha County Council Members, j
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I'm submitting testimony in opposition to the nomination of Ms. Shani Armbruster to the Leeward Planning Commission. Being a
kanaka of this land, I see and understand the importance of having someone who has been raised on this food and drank of these
waters. Someone who has kanaka and this aina at the forefront of his/her service.
While Ms.Armbruster has been kind enough to apply for this position,she has been a full time Hawai'i 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. Someone who has been pro-
development and actively involved in developing lands that should be set aside for other use,should not be in the position to make
land commission judgements.
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, Hawai'i 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 Hawai'i does not represent this perspective. I urge you to vote "NO"on Communication
279. Please.
Me ka haahaa,
Kilihea Inaba
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Dai; L `� 2021
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