HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0183.061 2020-2022 P/PC
Aloha Chair Kierkiewicz and members of the Planning Committee.,
My name is Keith Unger and I was a commissioner on the Leeward Planning Commission for 7
years,the last 5 years I had the privilege of chairing the commission. My last hearing on the
Leeward Planning Commission was Mr. Van Pernis' first. After that hearing, I realized a mistake
had been made and I've been lobbying for his removal ever since.
After 3 months, numerous hearings and testimony, the process has finally run its course, and
it's time to make a decision.
At the July 23 Leeward Planning Commission hearing 2 weeks ago, an agenda item read:
"Recommends removal of Mark Van Pernis from the Leeward Planning Commission". A
motion was made to approve this recommendation, and then a vote was taken. The newest
commissioner abstained, Mr. Van Pernis voted against it, and the rest of the commissioners
voted in favor of it.
You now have a formal recommendation directly from the commissioners, requesting that you
remove Mr. Van Pernis. We now have some clarity. The drive to remove Mr. Van Pernis didn't
come from the Mayor's office. As it turns out, it came from the Leeward Planning Commission
Commissioners.
Based on this recommendation, the upcoming county council vote should now just be a
formality. Public testimony should continue to have weight, as should the opinion of the
Mayor's office, the Planning Department and you all as county council members. But the most
important voice has spoken and that is of the commissioners themselves.
The commissioners are sending you a direct plea for help. Please, out of respect for your
commissioners and for the integrity of the Leeward Planning Commission, vote to remove Mr.
Van Pernis.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this important matter.
Keith Unger
Comm. No.
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