HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 030 2021/09/21 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: September 21, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 383
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:33 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 383, reports as
follows:
Communication No. 383, submitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated August 31, 2021,
nominates Melissa Leilani DeMello to the Puna Community Development Plan Action
Committee (CDP AC). Ms. DeMello has been a resident of District 5 since 2005 and holds deep
recognition for Puna's history, culture, and resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian
Studies from UH Hilo, is the Director of Operations for Ku A Kanaka, and is a co-host of the Ka
Leo O ka Uluau podcast. If confirmed, Ms. DeMello will serve a term ending on December 31,
2024.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome was present via Zoom to introduce
Ms. DeMello. Ms. DeMello appeared before Your Committee via Zoom to speak of her deep
connection to Puna and expressed that she felt it was her kuleana to serve her community. She
further explained that she is passionate, organized, and capable for this position.
Committee Members Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder and Heather Kimball both thanked
Ms. DeMello for stepping up to serve and that she is an excellent fit for this committee.
Planning Director Zendo Kern was present in the Hilo Chambers where he spoke highly of
Ms. DeMello and noted the unique challenges Puna faces and that he honors her willingness to
take on the heavy commitment this committee requires.
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz thanked Ms. DeMello for making an investment in herself
and Puna's communities via the Puna CDP AC as well as with the Kilauea Eruption Recovery's
Resilience Action Teams. Chair Kierkiewicz also highlighted Ms. DeMello's track record of
accomplishments and appreciated her skills and knowledge.
The vote was then taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation and passed with 9 "ayes."
PC Report No.: 30
PC-30 Page 2 September 21,2021
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 383,
and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Ms. Melissa Leilani DeMello to the Puna
Community Development Plan Action Committee.
is
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
INABA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X
LEE LOY XASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 30
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: OCT 0 6 2021