HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.053 2020-2022 June I62O21
Aloha County Council Members
|'m submitting testimony in opposition tothe nomination of Ms. Shani Armbruster to the Leeward
Planning Commission or moreso for the consideration of Ms. Ku'ulei Keakealani to be included in this
nomination.
Hawaii's biggest asset isour land and our people. /tispertinent that vxecome torealize, coming out uf
the Covic119 epidemic,that our priorities to our land and our people preclude underlying agendas that
has placed many ofour citizens innext toimpossible circumstances.
Ms. Armbruster, not someone I know personally, has been a full time resident of Hawai'l Island for
seven years in the capacity of a Project Manager for one of West Hawaii's largest real estate
development and general contracting firms and this nomination can be considered a position in the
aspect offine lines ofaconflict ofinterest role. Her connection tothe ainmisofhigh end profit inthe
interest ofma|ihiniand not the residents ofthis fine island. Luckily wehave some requirements ofhigh
end vs affordable (which is a joke) in place and can hopefully come to better consensus on how these
odds are made even.
I will not question Ms. Armbruster's heart in respect of our children's future here in the islands, but have
concerns that representation may not align in their favor, but like with anything, I remain optimistic,
with reservations.
On the other hand,you have an intelligent Native Hawaiian female applicant, Ms Ku'ulei Keakealani,
someone I have encountered and felt her mana'o, and who is a generational caregiver of this land.
Someone who was raised nurturing it and has seen the growth through eyes of acceptance over the
years, and lives with the understanding that this land has alot 1ooffer. Retaining her sense ofrespect of
land and progress isaspecial trait. She has faithfully served her community and this island innumerous
organizations and conservation programs. She has love for this ainaand how much better than
someone like her toopen the channels tothe future. Ku'u|eiwould beyour asset asshe truly
encourages and perpetuates growth while maintaining the cultural aspects in guiding our keiki into their
future. Vested interest, not conflict ofinterest. She will represent our land and our people, and those
who have chosen Havvai'| Island astheir home. |ttakes avillage tomake ithappen, she was born ofa
fine village and will fairly represent all inthe village.
| urge you tovote"NO"onCommunication 379
Maha|onui
Shir|eeTomei