HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.037 2020-2022 From: Ng, Debby
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2021 9:20 AM
To: Aiello, Jeanette; Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony for Communication 279
Aloha County Council Members,
I'm submitting testimony in opposition to the nomination of Ms.Armbruster to the Leeward Planning
Commission. During the 7 years that Ms.Armbruster has been a Hawai'i Island resident, she has served as project
manager for Tinguley Development, one of West Hawaii's largest real estate development and general contracting
firms (whose firm has provided donations to Mayor Roth's campaign).
I have been a resident of Hawaii since 1985.Since that time I have seen first hand what happens to communities
and natural environments when commissioners who have ties to developers are in positions of power.Every single
time, the needs of developers and their opportunities for profit will be given at the immense and irreversible cost
of cultural and environmental resources. We have constantly sold out for money in this state and it has been
continually heart-breaking, especially as a teacher watching my students be forever priced out of home ownership.
During this pandemic it has become clear our governor is ALL about$$$over people and land.Please don't follow
in-Tge'sfootsteps or other politicians who have sold out time and time again bec Hawaii is special because of its
history of protection of land and cultural resources.I urge you to uphold these values and instead consider Ku'ulei
Keakealani.
Ku'ulei Keakealani is 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 member with numerous organizations
including the federal rivers and trails conservation program, Kai Kuleana Network, Hui Loko Network, Hawai'i
Association for the Education of Young Children, Kaupulehu Foundation, and Pu'uwa'wa'a Advisory Council to name
a few.
Our island is at a crossroads in history. We have the opportunity to put land and cultural resources before profits for
business.We have the opportunity to value the people of the land first.This is a moment to consider future
generations and the sustainability of the economy,environment, and culture.We need commissioner who
understands this aina and the needs of its people. Ms Arrnbruster's 7 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.
Debby Ng
Manager,Alumni Network and Education Leadership
Teach For America,Hawai'i Region
500 Ala Moana Blvd,Suite 3-580
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Comm. No
ReF. To-
Ref. Date 72021