HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0563.012 2020-2022 / unc►C
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From: Kilihea Inaba C 0%R1 TY 0 F is 5"Al Al!
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2022 3:38 PM
To: Council Testimony 2 IY AU11
Subject: Testimony for Communication 563
Aloha Hawaii County Councilmembers,
My name is Kilihea Inaba. I am a wahine born, raised, and still residing in the moku of Kona, a
district of which the Leeward Planning Commission makes important decisions for. I am submitting
this letter in opposition to the nomination of Shane Vincent to the Leeward Planning
Commission. According to the communication submitted by Mayor Roth, the nominee is a fifty-year
resident of Ilawai`i who has been involved as a project manager, development manager, business
director, and project engineer for various businesses and residential projects. The letter also mentions
that Mr. Vincent is interested in "promoting economic growth and development in Hawaii in a
sustainable way." What does this mean to him and the council members who voted "yes" to his
nomination?
As elected officials, it is your duty to confirm nominees who are representative of the people they serve,
not only the mayor's interests. Mr. Vincent does not fill the bill. In his role as a contractor involved in
the development of luxury residences such as Kukio, Mr. Vincent has played a direct role in the
continued displacement of people of Hawai'i. Unfortunately, due to Mr. Vincent's absence at the
Planning Committee meeting where his nomination was first heard, we are unclear what Mr. Vincent
means by wanting to support sustainable economic growth and development. Like previous failed
nominations to the Leeward Plannin Commission, Mr. Vincent represents a special interest as
his own company, Vincent Construction Management, is closely tied to development and
construction in the very region he would be making recommendations and decisions on as a
commissioner.THIS IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
The mayor should consider putting forward nominees who do not have any conflicts of interest,
whether actual or perceived. Land use decisions are extremely important and they start with Mayor Roth
making more responsible choices for nominations to ourplanning commissions, followed by your
decisions as Councilmembers. There are many individuals out there who support the economic growth of
Hawai'i in a way that supports the people of Hawai'i and the resources that we consume.
These individuals have the best interest of our `aina and people at heart, and do not have any financial
ties to the projects that they might approve or disapprove. Again, Mr. Vincent isn't one of them.
Please, I humbly ask that you think of the keiki and generations to come, and vote NO on
Communication 563. Thank you.
Mahalo,
Kilihea Inaba
Comm. No.��--, _=, ,���.
Ref. To: �t WU('LI'
Ref. Date JAN 1 9 202
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