HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.027 2020-2022 From: Maggie Kahoilua
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 1:40 PM
To: Council Testimony 3
Subject: Testimony: Communication 279
Aloha County Council Members,
In regard to Communication 279, 1 am submitting testimony in opposition to the nomination of Ms. Shani
Armbruster to the Leeward Planning Commission. It is my understanding that Ms. Armbruster has been
a full-time Hawaii island resident for less than a decade. Throughout the past seven years, she has served
as a Project Manager for Tinguely Development, one of West Hawaii's largest real estate development and
general contracting firms.
As a Kanaka, Hawaiian woman with a background in real estate law, investing and development here
on Hawaii island, the nomination of Ms. Armbruster (given the lack of time tested connection to place and
people) seems premature in light of the understanding required to properly address the gravity of the
underlying barriers holding particular land use issues in place.
While a Master's Degree in urban and regional planning should serve to qualify Ms. Armbruster, I humbly
argue that any individual assuming the duty to advise the Mayor, Council, and Planning Director in ALL
matters concerning planning and land use matters here on Hawaii island should be required to demonstrate
an authentic understanding and empathic sensitivity to the true history of this island and its culture in
addition to their accolades of traditional education.
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 Interpretive 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.
If we are truly aspiring to get people who have knowledge, education, and care for our communities -- as Mayor Roth
stated during a recent interview -- then why did Ms. Keakealani's application fall to the wayside?
Although, Ms. Armbruster's support for the Hawaii Island Humane Society and Three Ring Ranch Wildlife
Sanctuary is appreciated, those particular contributions fail to demonstrate care for the community overall -
- especially given the fact that the recent development of the Hawaii Island Humane Society above
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Keauhou was a Tinguely project. 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.
All 'pattycake' politics set aside, we desperately need a commissioner who understands this '51na 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.
Respectfully,
Margaret
Margaret Kahoilua
Bondsman/Surety Agent#414221
Karna'aina Bail Bonds
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