HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0898.095 2020-2022 P/Council
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From: Kawehi Inaba c=1_ ..
Sent: Tuesday,April 18, 2023 8:29 AM "' c)
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To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 194 - STRONG SUPPORT —
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Aloha Hawaii County Council Members,
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I am writing in strong support of Bill 194 and respectfully request that you vote in favor of overriding
Mayor Roth's veto. The passing of Bill 194 will ensure that the future of our communities, businesses,
and families thrive in a fair and responsible way by allowing public input on zoning
extensions. Currently,this most important kuleana is under the control of"one" person,the Planning
Director. Original zoning approvals come with original development plans and as we quickly see our
island landscape change, it's important that we hold developers accountable to their original plans and
at the same time, remain flexible. Leaving extensions in the hands of one person is extremely
questionable when the current body of experienced council members who are connected to their
respective'aina and communities are willing and capable of making these important decisions.
I am perplexed at Mayor Roth's veto as he indicates that passing bill 194 could impede housing and
facilities such as hospitals, schools and job centers. By saying this, he is indicating that our elected
council members will make decisions that are in poor interest of the community-at-large. His opinion
that our council members have"little to no planning background or expertise" is extremely inaccurate
and subjective and I have a hard time believing that as a body, our elected council officials would would
make any decisions that would be detrimental to our overall community. I also find his comment
distasteful,shameful and disrespectful to the county council members.Auwe!!
If Mayor Roth and Director Zendo are confident that their decisions will be the best for our
communities,they would embrace Bill 194, not oppose it. Respectfully,I ask that as a hul,as a body
with the kuleana to malama our'aina and communities,you support Bill 194 and oppose Mayor
Roth's veto.
Me ke aloha me ka ha'aha'a, -
Ms. Rebecca Kawehi Inaba
Comm. No. ` •a 9
Ref. To: p(cull
1 Ref. Date APR 1 9 2023