HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 051 2022/03/22 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: March 22, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 666
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:39 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 666, reports as
follows:
Communication No. 666, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 24, 2022,
nominates Zaheva Knowles to the Leeward Planning Commission.
Ms. Pomaika`i Bartolome, Executive Assistant to Mayor Roth, appeared in Kona Chambers to
introduce Ms. Knowles, who was also present in Kona Chambers. Ms. Knowles has been a
resident of Hawaii for 22 years and believes that thoughtful land use planning can help improve
the quality of life for every member of our community. Her training and experience have
provided her the opportunity to see and understand the community from multiple perspectives
and reinforced her desire to get more deeply involved in civic life. Ms. Knowles is committed to
doing what she can to help our communities continue to thrive. If confirmed, she will serve a
term ending December 31, 2023.
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz asked Ms. Knowles to explain why she was interested in
serving on this commission. Ms. Knowles responded that she was interested in being on the
Leeward Planning Commission because it's a natural continuation of the work she has already
been doing in the community with the Kohala Traffic Safety Committee, as well as other
volunteer roles for the community. She also stated her background and training makes her
uniquely qualified for this body, to provide advice and guidance to the Mayor, Council and
Planning Director.
Several Committee Members thanked Ms. Knowles for her willingness to serve and noted the
experience and knowledge of the law she brings will be extremely valuable to the Planning
Commission.
Committee Member David asked Ms. Knowles if she had experience with land use law.
Ms. Knowles summarized her experience through employment with Randy Vitousek at the
Kate Shutt law firm.
PC Report No.: 51
PC-51 Page 2 March 22,2422
Committee Member Chung asked Ms. Knowles if she had discussions with Mr. Vitousek
regarding the Nansei case. Ms. Knowles confirmed she was familiar with the case and had
discussions with Mr. Vitousek on the case.
Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz voiced her support for Ms. Knowles and noted she will add
incredible value to the discussions of the commission.
The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation and passed with eight"ayes,"and Committee Member
Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder"absent and excused."
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication
No. 666, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Zaheva Knowles to the Leeward
Planning Commission.
ca
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 x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 51
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: APR 2�9�