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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2024/03/05 (2022-2024)Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 27th Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii March 5, 2024 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and ORDER: External Affairs was called to order at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Cindy Evans, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Cindy Evans, Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member Mr. Matt Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member (came in later) Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent & Excused: Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Vice Chair STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Kencho Gurung: Jim Albertini: Nawahine Kahoopi'i Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian: Gay Mathews: Hannah Hartmann: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), comment. Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. Comm. 737, in support. Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. D'Anna Marie Asher: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 Change Order of Business: M.,401cl. 10R RON US so Danny H. C. Li: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), comment. Stephen Louie Paulmer: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), comment. Koohan Paik-Mander: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. Keoni Payton: Res. 449-24 (Comm. 754), in support. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Mr. Clerk, on the agenda today, I would like to move Resolution 449-24 to the top of the agenda. We'll start with that today. As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the the following items were taken out of order. The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, Order of Resolutions. Res. 449-24: DEMONSTRATES THE ALOHA SPIRIT AND FOSTERING PEACE, DIPLOMACY, AND UNITY WITHIN THE COUNTY OF HAWAPI, THE STATE OF HAWAIJ, AND BEYOND Seeks to promote peace, diplomacy, and civil discourse and to demonstrate globally the values of understanding, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence with Aloha and to observe United Nations' International Day for Disarmament and Non -Proliferation Awareness. Reference: Comm. 754 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball and Mr. Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder (Note: Comm. 754. 1, from Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada dated March 4, 2024, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 449-24, was circulated.) Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend adoption of Res. 449-24. Seconded by Mr. Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder. CHR. EVANS: Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, it's my privilege to introduce this resolution today. Today, March 5 1h , represents the International Day for Disarmament and Non - Proliferation Awareness. And the intent of the recognition of that recognition of that day is that it encourages dialogue around issues related to peace, disarmament and non-proliferation. What you have done, all of the testifiers who've shown up today, and thank you for your participation, is have that dialogue. That is the intention here, is that we as a body, as the public, and community members, have Page 2 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 this conversation about peace globally and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in particular. Tanya actually got me on this path, you know, talking about all of the global conflicts that are happening around the world, and I certainly know that in first and foremost in everybody's mind is the situation in Israel and Gaza. But I encourage everyone not to forget the Uyghurs in China. The increasing hostilities happening Haiti and Central America; the decades -long armed conflicts in the African Continent. And yes, many of them are tied to economic interest, as mentioned by the other testifiers. So, you know, the intention with this resolution, while broad, is meant to encompass this feeling that we need peace globally. We need peace in respect for international human rights. And the value of human life, and respect, and care, and concern for all of our friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles across the globe. So, when I was thinking about putting this together, you know, it's not enough that it's mentioned resolutions, yes, they're non -binding. There's statement of policy, there's statement of belief. But for me, I wanted to think about what jurisdiction do we have. The nine of us here sitting on this Council Board are not going to solve these international conflicts. The best we can do is represent the behavior and the expectation that we want to see around the world. Which means, us making a commitment to promote diplomacy, dialogue, civic engagement; that respect for all people regardless of any of their demographic backgrounds. I was reminded of the famous saying, "The world will turn to Hawaii as they search for world peace because Hawaii has the key and that key is Aloha." It is true that the concept of Aloha, which is enshrined in State Law, the Aloha spirit is the unique thing that we can demonstrate locally and think about globally. The idea behind this resolution is that we here can be that genesis of the global proliferation of this idea of Aloha spirit and there by having these conversations in this public forum promote that concept of peace and Aloha globally. So, I encourage my colleagues for your support of this resolution today, mahalo. CHR. EVANS: Okay, thank you. Anybody else on the dais has any comments? Recess: At 10:04 a.m., the Chair called for a recess. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:18 a.m. Page 3 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 CHR. EVANS: If there's no other discussion, I will turn it to Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Thank you, Council Members Kimball and Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder. He'll be back in a minute, for bringing up the topic of peace to this body with your resolution. While I appreciate the positivity and the Aloha in this resolution, I do not see how we can possibly discuss peace today without addressing the ongoing violence in Gaza. To that end, I have an amendment that I would like to propose. Motion to Amend: Ms. Kagiwada moved to amend Res. 449-24, with the contents of contents of Comm. 754.1. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. EVANS: Member Kagiwada, please. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Before delving into the specifics of this amendment, I'd like to make two points. First, this body, while it may not be able to solve these kinds of conflicts, does have a history of taking action on issues of national and global importance, such as asking the President to extend the departure rights to Chinese students following the violent attacks in Tiananmen Square and urging the US to seek a peaceful solution to the tensions in the Korean peninsula; and supporting an independent Ukraine; and condemning Russian military assault, just two years ago. Second, I want to acknowledge that many Jewish people are hurting and carry intergenerational trauma in their blood and their bones from persecution and murder of family members over the centuries. I truly hope that our discussion and any resulting actions from today do not trigger harmful feelings for these members of our community. This amendment would add two "Whereas" causes and one `Be it Resolved" cause. The clauses are: "Whereas, between October 7, 2023 and February 29, 2024, armed violence has claimed the lives of approximately 30,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, and wounded tens of thousands more, the vast majority of whom are civilians; and" MS. VILLEGAS: Excuse me, Jenn, we can't hear you here in Kona. I'm not sure if it's muted on that side. MS. KAGIWADA: Is there anything we can do to help to be heard? Can you hear now, Council Member Villegas? MS. VILLEGAS: Yes. Page 4 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, I'm going to re -read the first "Whereas" clause. "Whereas, between October 7, 2023 and February 29, 2024, armed violence has claimed the lives of approximately 30,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, and wounded tens of thousands more, the vast majority of whom are civilians; and" "Whereas, in response to this ongoing conflict in Gaza, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13, recently introduced in the Hawaii State Senate, urges members of Hawai`i's congressional delegation to support the Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution introduced by United States Congresswoman Cori Bush" The resolved clause to add would, `Be it further resolved that this body supports and hereby urges the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13 by the Hawai `i State Legislature." I won't read in its entirety, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13, but I want to highlight a few parts. One, the acknowledgement of both Palestinians and Israeli lives lost since October 7th. Two, that roughly half the people killed or wounded have been children. Three, that the Israeli Government's restrictions on food, water, fuel, and humanitarian assistance further threatens the lives of countless civilians. And four, that, "Whereas, the dismantling of Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization cannot and should not be achieved at the expense of innocent lives. Finally, I want to mention just a few other Hawaii groups and individuals who support a ceasefire in Gaza. The Hawaii State Teachers' Association, our faith communities, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda. I appeal to my colleagues' humanity to not ignore the violence happening in Gaza, and I ask for your support for this amendment. Finally, I just want to say one other thing, and this is a personal thing. I have one child who voted for the very first time today. I have another child who has been organizing at her college campus to stop the violence in Gaza. And I just think what message does this send to them if I, an elected official don't use my power and I say, I have no power in this situation when they are doing what they can as ordinary citizens. So, once again, I ask for your support. Thank you. CHR. EVANS: Okay, as we move forward, please, in our decorum, it says that we just have to not express what we like or dislike. And just please let us continue moving forward. Members, do have any discussion? Yes, Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, on the amendment please. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I believe this amendment is beautiful, and I appreciate Ms. Kagiwada for bringing this forward. She did come and speak to me yesterday and said she would be bringing this forward, and I looked it over, and I'll be supporting the amendment. Thank you. Page 5 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 CHR. EVANS: Okay Members, any other? Member Villegas, please. MS. VILLEGAS: First off, I want to start off by thanking the members of the public that sent in testimony and took the time to show up in person today to make statements that reflect the value system of the people of Hawai `i. I've been deeply pained by the tragedy occurring. I have a number of friends of very diverse ethnic descents. Unfortunately, this conflict has also caused conflicts between friends and family members based on political views and issues or religiosity. I am in full support of this amendment, and I thank Ms. Kagiwada for bringing this forward and adding more to this. If there could be sharper teeth and stronger claws, and more forceful statements, it would sort of feel good. But in the irony of a time of war, this balance of ferociousness, and empathy, and kindness, and tenacity is a balance that is so damn elusive. I think of a sign I saw from the Vietnam War, and it was a woman carrying it, and it said, "Fighting for peace is like `F'ing for virginity." And the irony has always stuck with me. My strongest encouragement would be to the United States. To take a stand for what is right and what is wrong and cease fire. He `ike `ana i ka pono. See the right thing to do and do it. Be a part of the solution, not the ongoing genocide of innocent women and children who are the predominant victims in this war. With that I yield. CHR. EVANS: Okay, any further discussion? Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you for putting this amendment forward and for the resolution, Council Member Kimball and Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder. I really appreciate, Chair, your explanation of the intentionality around this, and I just reflect on the just senseless deaths that are occurring around the world. Not just in the Middle East, but we think about Africa, South America, and Europe. It's just this ongoing situation that is being fed by the military industrial complex, right? Nobody wins in war. Who wins in war? People that are profiting. Corporations with an agenda. I'll share that when I did my ancestry DNA test, I found out that I had Ashkenazi Jewish and Vietnamese, and I thought what happened to my people, right? Think about that lineage, and it just hits a bit harder. And you know, I want to say that, even though these resolutions are nonbinding, we do have an opportunity as a body to signal a message to the larger community, what we believe in. And we have an opportunity to make a statement at this particular moment in time. So, I can get behind the intentionality of the resolution. But I have to say, in reading the amendment, and reading the Senate concurrent resolution which was introduced but not adopted by the Legislature. I feel like it takes a particular side. Page 6 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 An Israeli life and a Palestinian life, no one is more valuable than the other. When we all cut, we all bleed red. And to me, it seems too divisive. I'm not going to be supporting the amendment, but if it passes, I will support the resolution. Because it's important that as a body, we represent the value of Aloha that I think is being so beautifully articulated in the resolution. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Any other discussion? If not, I have a question for Corporation Counsel. Would you please come forward. Thank you. Good morning. (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. STRANCE: Good morning, Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. CHR. EVANS: Okay. So, I know this is not an ordinance or a bill, it's a resolution. But early on when I got elected, I found out the importance of a title. And if I look at the way it was written, the title, this amendment that we're proposing really gives kind of a new direction in the `Be it Resolved." And I'm wondering if it's even feasible, given the way the title is. MS. STRANCE: Let me go grab my copy of the resolution. I didn't bring it up with me. CHR. EVANS: So, looking at the title and listening to the author and then looking at the amendment, which is giving a specific direction, saying it's supporting the Senate —concurrent resolution and actually is moving us into more of a specific, and I'm wondering if it's not consistent with the title. MS. STRANCE: I think arguably, the last clause of the title says, "and Beyond." And arguably the proposed amendment falls within the "and Beyond" purpose of the resolution. I hear what you're saying that it's a general statement, and before the amendment, the language is very general, and this is very specific. But I think it could arguably be included in the "and Beyond." CHR. EVANS: Okay, good to know. I think we need to ask. With no other comments, I wanted to — MS. KIMBALL: Chair, I had a couple quick questions on the amendment. Council Member Kagiwada, the continuing resolution from the Senate that you presented mentioned support for the Ceasefire Resolution introduced by Page 7 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 Congresswoman Cori Bush. That's not here. I suppose we could look it up very quickly, but do you have the contents. Can you kind of go over what that contains? MS. KAGIWADA: Sure, I have it here. If I may, Chair? CHR. EVANS: Yes, please. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you. "This resolution calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. Whereas all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians no matter what their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law. Whereas between October 7rh and October 161h, 2023, armed violence has claimed the lives of over 2,700 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis including Americans and wounded thousands more. Whereas hundreds of thousands of lives are in eminent risk if a ceasefire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay. And whereas the Federal Government holds immense diplomatic power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives. Now and therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives urges the Biden Administration to immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to urgently end the current violence and calls upon the Biden Administration to promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza." That's it in its entirety. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, appreciate you having that available for us. Well, thank you for bringing this forward. I will support it. I think my concern again is, and Council Member Kierkiewicz kind of tagged this, is that there are so many other conflicts that need to be brought to the floor as well, and I don't want those, like I mentioned the Uyghurs over in China, as an example. I don't want that to get lost too. I appreciate what you're doing here, and I understand the comments from the community. And you know, I think that all in all, the objective of this resolution has been achieved in a sense that today is the day that we recognize the discussion about peace and disarmament. And we're having that discussion, and we're having that dialogue. So, we're promoting that awareness. So, I know Council Member Evans had some comments, but I'd like to hear further conversation. But on first blush I will support this thank you. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. On the amendment, it's really interesting. I'd sure love to delve in and have a little more "Whereas" to it, but I have to say we're in a Middle East conflict region area, and this is so complicated with all of Europe and Northern Africa, and everybody in the region trying to figure out what in the heck is going on. Page 8 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 The way out, one thing about the resolution, I looked up Cori Bush's resolution because I really dislike voting on stuff when I don't really know the details that I'm voting on. And so, I did look it up and I appreciate you reading it so everybody, all the public can hear what Cori Bush's statement is, because you're asking us to support that statement. What's put in that resolution that makes me a little more comfortable is he's asking the president to call for a ceasefire and facilitate discussions about how to create peace in the region. And we would then have to acknowledge that United States is such a powerful country in the global world of everything. Economy, conflict, that you know, we are a player. So, it acknowledges we're a player, if we want to be or not; it acknowledges that we want you to go to the table and try to help facilitate some discussion. So, I'm comfortable with the word "facilitate." But it also says that we're acknowledging that America is playing a huge role in what's going on there. So, given the words that are used, I'm going to support your amendment. But initially, I was a little hesitant until I really got into the nitty-gritty detail of the language. So, anyway, that's how I'm going to vote. Okay, Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I think I will also be supporting the amendment. Although in some ways, I prefer the original resolution and the spirit in which it was presented. And the words to sort of intervene or state a position around what is happening in Gaza are so tricky. Like even the words here saying, "Armed violence has claimed the lives," like passive voice, which to me is not really —it's almost like gliding over just depthless history there, which maybe that's all you can do, because you need to write several books really to capture or attempt to capture what is happening there. But like almost everyone, it is horrifying what is happening in Gaza, unquestionably and has been happening there for quite a while. So, this is just sort of an extremely violent interlude of ongoing violence on many levels there in Gaza. So, given all of that, I'll support the resolution. Thanks. CHR. EVANS: Members, any further discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Clerk, you want to take a roll call. Page 9 GOEAC-2'7 Vote on Motion to Amend: (Approved) March 5, 2024 The motion to amend Res. 449-24, with the contents of Comm. 754.1, was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: Committee Member Kierkiewicz — 1. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. CHR. EVANS: Thank you, back to the main motion. Member Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I want to say to the community, thank you for showing up. You did exactly what is supposed to be done. This is how the process works. This is the process and action. Even our outburst this morning was process and action. And that is important. If it doesn't happen, we don't have the conversation. If we don't have the conversation, then we might as well just stay home. We're here. The resolution is in front of us, and the intent is good. And I think the best point I can put forward today. Is, we have a resolution. We all did something. We participated. That really is what we're supposed to do. There's an old saying, that "Things happen when good people do nothing." We are the people that did something, and maybe not at the right level. Maybe we're at the County level. We're not Federal, but we did something, and we put our voices on something. The beauty of what Ms. Kagiwada did is, and I have to agree, the resolution is a little vanilla, okay. But with Ms. Kagiwada's amendment, she tied it into existing legislation that's been promoted Federally, and there's State level legislation that Mr. Albertini brought forward to my attention. And she tied into those existing pieces of legislation that already have been or are going through the process. And by doing that, she took something that, again, is a little vanilla, and she tied it into something that's got teeth. And that is a beautiful way, in my mind, in our ability as legislators to tie together the pieces with the process that we have in front of us to make sure that everyone is being heard. So, I commend you for your amendment. I'm in totally support of that. The resolution is beautiful. And the last thing that we should do is come into a meeting like this and create lines and say, you on that side, you on that side. Because that is the exact opposite of what needs to be done. This resolution is calling for that. It's unification. We all get on the same page; we get behind one idea, and that is peace. Even with the amendment, it still holds true. So, I'll be supporting the amendment. Of course, I love the resolution, and thank you, Chair. I yield. Page 1.0 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 CHR. EVANS: Okay, any further discussion? Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. You know, I'll be supporting the resolution with the amendments. And I also do just want to offer to the authors, since we are expanding the original scope of this. I do think it's important to recognize the hostages in these sorts of situations and the sexual violence that people are having to endure during times of war. So, I'll be putting something forward that acknowledges that. Because if we're going to call for a ceasefire, let's make sure that we are supporting folks that are experiencing sexual violence and calling for the release of the hostages. Thank you. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. So, we have the motion, and it is to forward Resolution 449-24, with the amendment, Communication 754.1 to the Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Any opposed? Vote on Res. 449-24: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 449-24, as Draft 2 amended to Draft 2, was carried by the following (Approved) roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. CHR. EVANS: Okay, so, we'll move on to the top of the agenda. Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business. of Business: COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 733: NOMINATION OF LISA FUKUMITSU TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 14, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 29, 2024 (Section 134(k), Hawaii County Charter) Page 11 GOEAC-27 March S, 2024 Vote on Comm. 733: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Ms. Lisa Fukumitsu to the Board of Ethics. Seconded by Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 734: NOMINATION OF STEVE HIRAKAMI TO THE FIRE COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 14, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 29, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm. 734: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Mr. Steve Hirakami to the Fire Commission. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Page 12 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 Comm. 735: NOMINATION OF WAYNE PERRIN TO THE FIRE COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 14, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 29, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm. 735: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Mr. Wayne Perrin to the Fire Commission. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 736: NOMINATION OF BRIAN KANGAS TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 14, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 29, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Brian Kangas to the Leeward Planning Commission. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. EVANS: Pomai, please. (Note: At this time, the nominee Brian Kangas and Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Page 13 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MS. BARTOLOME: Aloha. On behalf of Mayor Roth, we are pleased to be nominating Mr. Brian Kangas of District 9 to the Leeward Planning Commission. Five years ago, Mr. Kangas moved here to Hawaii with his family. He decided to relocate to Kohala, Hawaii. He is the founder and owner of Kind Homes LLC, where he serves as a general contractor. Previously, Brian dedicated over two decades of his life to serving as a pastor in Oregon. His unwavering dedication to serving others, coupled with his leadership skills and integrity, make him a valuable asset. If confirmed, he will serve a term ending December 31, 2027, and your favorable confirmation is requested. Mahalo. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Mr. Kangas, would you like to offer comments? MR. KANGAS: Yes. First off, thank you for this morning, watching it was fascinating. Here with intention, yes. The resolution was beautiful. So, I don't know how the Planning Commission can be an anti -war machine, but as for my part, if nominated, it will be. You know, when I relocated to Kohala, I came with my family to hang out with my four boys, and just raised them. I'm a builder and have been one for years. I was hired by a local business owner who owned properties from Kona to Kohala. And when I sat there in the interview, he looked at me and said, I'm concerned about one thing. He's like, the men you'll be working with have a rich family history here, and I need you to walk lightly. I walked in to our first meeting with that crew, and those men became brothers over the years. The respect and the integrity that they had. And getting to know them was incredible. I think that goes to my background as a pastor. The ability to walk that way was based on —you can't move forward in a vision if you don't find moral ground, that's common. And you get that by listening well. A lot of people believe that perception is the reality, but I think that if you have perspective and you get that, that's the golden rule, right? It's, do to others as you have them do to you. And it's like, get in their shoes and see what they see and then move forward that way. In the Planning Commission, when I was called —actually, someone called me and said, hey, have you ever thought about this? And I really hadn't, but I love all aspects of planning, being a developer for years, did that on the side when I was pastor just to support my family. Page 14 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 As I looked through the 2045 GP (General Plan) I got really excited. Because if we go on a tangent, and maybe I will if you ask me a question. I have a passion for our young people in North Kohala. And it is that they learned how to become professionals, specifically, in my field of construction. Because I think that we've known our economy at 70 percent, as the goal is. I think that could be tripled. And I think there's a lot of resource that's available for them. Anyways, as I read that plan, I thought well, that's who I am. That's what's going on in my heart right now. I know I have a short tenure in Hawaii. I don't even pretend to not. I only grab on to, I think I saw a local candidate on my Facebook feed. He said that to be you know a true resident of Hawaii, it's not so much that you were born here, because I'm Irish, you know. It's that you want to die here, and that's my plan. You know, I love this place. So, the Planning Commission grabs my heart, and I think where it's going when I read the GP, I thought that's who I am; that's where I'm going. I believe my business strategy lines up with it thoroughly. You can hear about that when we talk about affordable housing. So, that's quick statement. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Members, any questions? Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, Mr. Kangas. Can you share a little bit about your understanding, your perspective on the General Plan and the CDP's (Community Development Plan) roles in making decisions as a commissioner? MR. KANGAS: Yes, I can. I believe that we're supposed to aim at the General Plan as the Planning Commission as we move in that direction. I appreciate the language in the 2045 plan, because I read the 2005 plan as well. The 2045 plan really is forward thinking, and there are a few points that I really agree with as we move towards it. Say, net neutral carbon wise by 2045. That's an incredible plan. That's practicing my business already. We're looking at harvesting solar versus burning diesel, absolutely. So, moving in that direction. Also, when I read the plan, NIMBY (Not In My Backyard), if you're familiar with that term is a real deal, right? I mean, that fear, that emotion that grabs that idea. So, I appreciate that in the plan, there's an idea to demonstrate what it would look like to create locations, and we get into housing where that fear is not realized. And actually, the opposite is but that that has to be demonstrated. That has to take shape and you've got to tread lightly as you move in that direction. Page 15 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 I also, Council Member, rub shoulders with people every day who are in this field, and the knowledge, I almost become like a foot soldier of marketing. That this is available, here's where we want to go to touch the people. I work with them every single day. I'm in the dirt of North Kohala all the time. MR. INABA: How can you work to balance the General Plan, CDP, and the voices of community when making a decision on the Commission? MR. KANGAS: I think that's the whole deal, and I'd go back to my background as a pastor. We had a volunteer force. There are about a thousand people in church, and I had 200 volunteers on a given Sunday morning. A lot of volunteer leads. And the only way you can ever move forward is a vision that's stated, is that you find common moral ground. And you don't get there until you listen. If you come in with a preconceived notion, you've already lost. So, starting there, and then you have to have the ability to be like, let's just dream of different solutions. What could those be? So, if we don't listen first, we're going nowhere. MR. INABA: Then, what background or experience and skills do you feel you're bringing to the Commission that may be absent from the Commission right now? MR. KANGAS: I think what I look at is that I touch the lives of a lot of young people every week. I play basketball on Monday and Wednesday nights with our local high school. Go Kohala Cowboys, we just took State, yeah. So, I touch those lives. And when I look and talk about the resources that are there, it seems like the knowledge of becoming a professional is absent as far as how to onboard, yes? So, I've done it in my own business. So, when I think about affordable housing, there's two sides to that. Yes, we can get you cheap homes, but I think the resources that pay better also make the home affordable. So, with those young people, as they become pros, I think I'd bring that to the table and say, here's how we can help people onboard towards the plan of 2045. MR. INABA: Then last question for now, what background or experience do you have with Hawaiian culture, traditions, or knowledge? MR. KANGAS: You know, very little, right? Because I'm barely here. Except for, when I did get hired, I worked alongside of a community, and that's all we focused on in the Kohala Village Hub. So, Akela was a very good friend of mine. I mean, she's my sister and I knew nothing, and she would just help me just walk through. But I know how to walk humbly. Page 16 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MR. KANGAS: I'm missing Akela's last name. I'll have to look in my phone. MR. INABA: Alright. I'll just state, you know, we have two folks before us right now in the confirmation process. Then reviewing recent meetings, well there's been one meeting in the last eight months. So, we are trying to fill these positions. I do have concern that we have a lack of Hawaiian perspective on the Planning Commission. I do think that our Planning Commissions should have a good balance of folks that are well versed in development who do know culture. We do have a Cultural Resources Commission that sometimes applications do get referred to for recommendation or review. But I don't think that that should always be the case when there should be some in-house folks on the Leeward Planning Commission and on the Windward Planning Commission who can offer that perspective. So, right now, I do have hesitation. Let's talk story afterwards. I would like to talk with Akela just to kind of see, you know, your folks' professional work and what that was like. But that's just where I stand in seeing how some of the applications are being processed and the discussions that are being held at the Leeward Planning Commission right now. I'm afraid that we're kind of on a rubber stamp heading in that direction, and I need assurances that there will be an additional voice or additional voices that represent the community of North Kona and most especially, a Hawaiian perspective understanding, however that represent the North Kohala seat on the commission. So, I'll be voting "no" today, but would like to talk story prior to the next meeting so we can hopefully get to understand your perspective and your background a little bit more. Thank you. MR. KANGAS: Absolutely, I respect that very much. CHR. EVANS: Member Villegas, please proceed. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, thank you. Aloha, Mr. Kangas, thank you for being here today. Your passion resonates from you, and I appreciate your sharing of your capacities of service. I share the concerns of Council Member Inaba from a cultural standpoint as well as from a historical standpoint for this island. It's wonderful to have new people participating. But the Leeward Planning Commission is a role that is so powerful. And it can be powerful in a positive way, and it can be powerful in a very dangerous way. Page 17 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 If a broader understanding of the opportunities being brought before it aren't more intrinsically understood as they relate to prior occurrences on the island. And I see some disconnection in that, unfortunately. And I have some concerns, if this being your first role to serve, if perhaps another commission or board might be a better place to get your feet wet. I just wondered, you mentioned somebody came to you and asked you if you'd be willing to run and put your name in the hat as an option for this position. Would you feel comfortable sharing with me who asked you if you'd be willing to do that? MR. KANGAS: Yes, absolutely. It was Don Watson. I believe he was a Sherrif on the island for a number of years. Called me one day on the phone, and said, "Have you ever considered running? There's a spot available, they need somebody of North Kohala." I like your business motto. I like what you're doing. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. I'm not familiar with that name. But thank you for willingness to share that with me. And historically the challenges for the stacking of our Planning Commissions have gone to construction, and union, and developers. I mean, as you could obviously see, that's left a number of community members and constituents feeling uneasy about the value systems that would be at play. It can't be helped for decisions to be made, skewed in one direction when livelihoods are impacted, especially by people in certain industries. So, it's something we're trying to look for. And as we navigate a path as a County, away from just linear economic growth, but to authentic circular economic growth. We have a lot of needs that need to be met for the people here. As we look at the General Plan, and we approve future development and land use, it's imperative that those decisions be made, and those lands used for the authentic benefit of the people who live here. Because if we keep doing what we've always done, we're just perpetuating insanity, and the equation that we have been perpetuating does not work. So, I have deep concerns for what's been happening on our Leeward Planning Commission. So, I'm going to be also saying "no" today, but I would, as same as Council Member Inaba be interested in touching base with you afterwards. I thank you for taking my comments, and respecting, and acknowledging, and honoring just some of the challenges and the history of this island, and what's come before all of us. And the patterns we are trying to break. And the new systems of circular economy that we are trying to align ourselves with so that we can be more resilient and regenerative as we move into our future. I yield. Page 18 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Aloha, Mr. Kangas. Is it okay if I call you Brian? MR. KANGAS: Absolutely. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: We're not friends or anything, but is Brian okay? Thank you for being here. Thank you for putting your name forward. Thank you for trying to be a contributor in our community and integrating yourself into Hawaii Island lifestyle. My father was from Chelsea, Massachusetts and he operated a gas station, actually leased the property from B. J. Penn's mom in downtown Hilo; and he also operated a junkyard where he was selling used auto parts. And what I appreciate about my dad was, he found a way to support the local community. Never tried to change community but found a way to be a part of it and make a positive difference. And I feel like you're trying to do that, by being here, through your ministry, through your Kind Homes business. So, I can feel the heart and intentionality in your decisions to, you know, step up in this role. Thank you for reading the documents. I appreciate you familiarizing yourself with the General Plan, and the Community Development Plans, and your perspective on that. To stay on that, I think you know how important these plans are in guiding land use and development for the foreseeable future. The Planning Department has just extended the public comment period to April l't. So, what can you do right now to sound the alarm on this incredible, I think, opportunity and moment for community members to get educated but also to contribute to this foundational document? MR. KANGAS: I think, Ashley, if I can, that's the onboarding part, isn't it? We want community service. We want them to engage. The value between that is the onboarding of people to do it. How do we get people to go from, yah we have a plan to actually get involved in it? And I actually see a shortfall in helping people to become professionals. I know so many young people who are great at what they do in North Kohala and do not function with a license. That's a problem of how do you become a professional here on the island, so that you can actually be part of the solution, instead of just hustling on the side? There's that conversation piece, and I think it's confusing for young people right now to become professionals on the island. I was a licensed builder in Oregon for a number of years supporting my family on the side. The confusion aspect to become licensed here on the island, it's Page 19 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 confusing. It's very hard, and so I understand why many of our local people are not becoming engaged in the process. So, there's a huge onboarding deficit, and I'm working on that actually right now. Who I hire, internally, I've gone right to the schools; hired people right out of the schools. I hired a young kid and took him right out of our local sunshine ACE Hardware, and said, hey, you look like —I see you running all the time on the court, come tie wire with me. He's a go-getter but taking him from where he was to where he is has been a beautiful step. If it's just one, I'm happy, you know, but that's a big problem. I think there's a solution for it. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Can you describe for us your understanding of the responsibilities of someone that serves on the Planning Commission? MR. KANGAS: Yeah, the aim at the General Plan. To try as best as possible to help facilitate that when people come before them, and they present a case, you bring the case forward, and you say, here's what I'm dreaming of. Then you have the zoning guidelines. You try and just fit within the zoning guidelines, but there are times where you say the zoning guidelines, which is stated in the General Plan, is confusing as well and needs to be made more efficient. You help the process go towards the General Plan. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: A lot of what you do is going to be providing recommendations to this body. There are applications for rezones, for time extensions. So, we rely on the Planning Commissions to do a very thorough evaluation and provide a recommendation. That helps us make a final decision on whether or not we grant the rezone or the time extension. We're a very thorough body. We don't always agree with the Planning Department. You don't always have to agree with the Planning Department. We ask that you be very thorough in your review because this underlying piece of zoning is so incredibly powerful. You also make decisions as a Commission, that we do not make as a Council. Special Management Area permits, Use permits, Special Use permits. You hold the sole decision -making power for those permits. Those never come to the Council. So, it's super important that, you know, I think my colleagues in West Hawaii; Council Members Villegas and Inaba, emphasized that really understanding this kuleana that you have to community to make the right decisions. Because they do have long-term impact. I'm curious if you speak to how you would balance the interests of developers, residents, and environmental concerns in the planning process. Page 20 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MR. KANGAS: Yeah, absolutely. I think very much so, you've got to look 25 even 100 years down the road, right? And we're talking about local people to sustain and live here. It's not very hard to catch the heart of a developer who comes in like, I'm just in here for the dollar. You catch that real fast. You can see right through it. That's not hard. Again, the current problem that I see is that we have people in the service industry serving others to live here, and they get to live here, but the people who served can't. That's a problem. So, enabling to look at a situation, let's say you catch a heart of a situation you're looking at and say, "Hey, someone's trying to rezone something that's just kind of way outside the scope." That's an easy toss away. When it's near the line, you can catch the heart. I read one about, say it's a school situation where we're going to help young students, and they need to rezone some Ag land of some sort. You read through that, and you go, man this is helping the community as a whole. Look at how this goes towards the GP. This isn't a developer just out making dollars, right? So, I think you'd catch that fairly quickly, and it's not hard. I mean, we can go call Akela on the phone and say, "Hey Akela, what do you think of Brian?" And she'll tell you, Brian called and said, "Give me some background on this, give me some history." So, I have those contacts. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Final question. You know, what ideas do you have for sustainable development in West Hawai'i, just recognizing carrying capacity and resource constraints? MR. KANGAS: Well, my biggest one was when I worked with Kind Homes and our slogan is kind of "people in planning." We already go towards solar. So, we're moving that, we're bringing in Soltech, which is a roof that is a solar the and roof in one. I'm not a big fan of the architectural design of solar panels. This goes roof and the in one. We're approving that concept already. I worked with Dr. Cori Falk on 31) printing to make things more efficient as far as moving forward. We're 10,000 units short here as far a housing. I think the conversation of affordable housing is a big one that's multifaceted to answer. But in regard to that, specifically, I already know a lot on the solar side. On the water side, I don't know as much about, but have a lot of access to people who do. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you. I appreciate your willingness to be here. I will be supporting your nomination moving forward to Council. Pomai, I have a question/request. I'm going through the fact sheets. And I meant to bring this up a little bit earlier, but I noticed that when we looked at the fact sheets, it just notes when the term ends. Page 21 GOEAC-2'7 March 5, 2024 So, my wondering is, and I know it's going to be a lot of work what I'm asking you to do, if can, could we go back and revisit the fact sheets and log when the individual began their service. Only because, here's the thing, I think one of the Fire Commissioners is serving somebody else's term, seeing through the end of that particular term, and so, it's very helpful to know who is carrying out a term where someone resigned versus a full term. And I think in this situation, it looks like it's only a three-year timeframe when Planning Commissioners typically serve for five. So, I think knowing when they were brought on board; confirmed to Council, and when the term ends would be super, super helpful. Is that possible? I know it's a lot of work. MS. BARTOLOME: It's absolutely possible. And you'll be happy to know that we've been working on it. It's a very tedious process, and not only is it tedious, but prior Administrations, you know, I went back and looked, and they've been trying to figure it out as well. So, one of my goals is to absolutely get all that information documented, so that we can see for ourselves moving forward, exactly what you just talked about. So, we will have that hopefully within the next —if we can get all of our boards and commissions and committee secretaries to be able to help with the process as well as Corporation Counsel, we should have that information maybe, I don't know, within the next several months. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That's great. That's really helpful because when you ask us to help find candidates for those particular positions, we're able to say, "Oh, it's just for a year; it's for three years, it's for five years." So, that information is really valuable and then, it also helps us in our deliberations. Thank you for working on that. I appreciate it. Chair, I yield. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Members? Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Thank you for being here and putting your name forward. I usually ask three different, like policy questions. Vice Chair Inaba has already asked one of them. So, my other two are based on your reading of the General Plan and just personal experience. What is your feeling on public access and maintaining public access to the shoreline, open space, traditional hunting areas, things like that? Can you speak to that in terms of your decisions? MR. KANGAS: Yes, I can, absolutely. A hundred percent are in favor of creating more access, and some of the accesses are actually not as well known or marked out and easy to get to. So, I think creating those all the time, I'm a hundred percent behind that. Page 22 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MS. KIMBALL: Then, a little bit more complicated, the Planning Commissions will soon be having a suite of bills related to Transient Accommodation Rentals (TARS). What is your position and feelings around the complex issue of Transient Accommodations on our island? MR. KANGAS: Yeah, the TARS, it's a big one. You know, I'm excited that it's a conversation right now. It's interesting that when you watch the feed on that, if you go to the live feed, it's a heated topic for sure. That's part of the affordable housing multifaceted approach. I like the direction that it's going as far as reducing that ability. I do not like the ability for someone to come in and buy a house who does not live here; who's not a part of the community. Then to rent it out and then essentially, we displace people. That's part of that. I'm not in favor of that whatsoever. More so, I lean more towards how to —Dr. Cori Falk and I have spoken about this quite a bit, how do we increase the affordability for our professionals today to live in homes? TARS is a whole other deal. I think that there is possibly a solution there for people who do have homes and reside here to then get some sort of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units) that would sort of help them stay in their space. That's a whole other conversation. That's a big conversation. So, I like the direction it's going; limiting and not displacing. MS. KIMBALL Thank you for those responses. Yeah, it's a challenging one, and I'm sure that you will have lots of testimony as it becomes part of the agenda for the Planning Commissions. You know, I appreciate a lot of your responses today. I think I share some of my colleagues' concerns about just the level of experience you might have with the community as a whole. It really does take a lot of time. But I'm going to support your nomination. I think you bring some really unique skills and viewpoints to the conversation. So, I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. Thank you. I yield, Chair. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Thank you so much for putting your name forward, and I can tell that you're just a very sincere person who really wants to do good for your new community. I really appreciate that. Especially, you know, reaching out to young people and providing training and sort of, more options for their life trajectory here. I think that's really, really important. So, really appreciate that. I also really liked your answer on what your role is at the commission. I liked that it was very structured around the General Plan and the Community Development Plan, because I think a lot of times, I don't necessarily look at things at that formal way, which I think is really important. I think that's the foundation of making decisions, is looking at those documents which have had a Page 23 GOEAC-2'7 March 5, 2024 lot of input from the larger community. So, they're not just documents, they're records of what the community has said over time. I guess part of it and maybe it was missing. It's like, you know, Chair Kimball had mentioned it, the context and I think that's the part that is a little worrisome, is that you have had a short time here, and there's so much about Hawaii real estate and land that is so unique and quirky. So, I was wondering if you could tell me what your thoughts are or what your plan would be to, you know, work on getting more context? Sort of going to be a learning curve if you go onto the Leeward Planning Commission. MR. KANGAS: Yes, I think that's a gray insight to you —obviously everybody's seeing that here for me. What you don't know about me so far is that when I do walk with other people, I am the last person to say, this is the only way; that this is the way. I have immersed myself in the culture as far as North Kohala is concerned. If you know North Kohala, that is the culture, and I'm just a part of it. I am there all the time. And so, people like Akela, people that I've worked with in the past; Joelle, that was the deal. I can imagine that's going to be a lifelong thing for me, you know. But I hope that you would be honored by the decisions that I would make, because I don't think you'll ever see me cross the line like wow, we're just stepping on the toes of history here. That's just not who I am, but that's a personal thing. MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. And there's some excellent books out that you might want to read on the history of land here in Hawaii. So, that would be a really good thing, sort of classics. MR. KANGAS: Absolutely, and I could respond by saying I've watched the documentaries. I mean, there's that aspect, but absolutely many more resources. MS. GALIMBA: Right. Yes, so yeah, I'll be supporting your nomination today. You know, I think you bring another perspective, which I think is important. I think it's important to have the kanaka perspective, but I think also having someone new is also important to have the diversity of perspectives. And I think we actually do have a few people on the Leeward Planning Commission that are Native Hawaiian. So, I think it is important to have diversity of all kinds. Thank you. CHR. EVANS: Okay. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for being here today. Just a quick one. So, you're a pastor and a contractor? Page 24 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 MR. KANGAS: Yeah, pastors don't make that much money. So, I've built homes for years, you know, developed just to supplement my family. MR. KANEALI'l-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and you've been here in Hawaii how long? MR. KANGAS: Five years. MR. KANEALI'l-KLEINFELDER: Lived in Kohala? MR. KANGAS: Yeah, I live North of Kapa'au. MR. KANEALI'l-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I'll keep it brief. I listened very closely to my West side Council Member counterparts. I'm interested to see what comes of your discussions, and I look forward to seeing the next vote at the Council. Today, I'll be supporting you. I like what you said so far, but I also like that you've been honest, and that's big to me. So, given what comes from your next two meetings or what I hear at the next Council meeting. I guess the best I can say is, I'll be listening intently and watching intently to my counterparts in West Hawaii and their vote, and I have not heard from your Council Member yet. So, appreciate your time. Thank you. CHR. EVANS: Okay, any other discussion? Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Just wanted to quickly interject something that just popped into my head because I continue to hear the statement being made that the role and the job of someone serving in the Leeward Planning Commission is to uphold the General Plan. And I feel I would be remiss not to point out that we've been operating off of an expired and outdated General Plan for almost 10 years now. So it doesn't escape me, the irony of those statements, because it's not just as simple as upholding the General Plan because one we've had that's been upheld has been obsolete. So, there's a lot more nuanced parts to this role and parts to this job. So, I have to point that out and I just want to go back and also, you know, Mr. Kangas, I think that would be a great candidate to serve on some of our other boards and commissions. But as we've seen with people who think they want to serve at the highest realm of decision and potential power making, I would ask that you might reconsider that you might be more well suited, and it might contribute to the learning curve about the community if you served in another board and commission instead of jumping straight into the Leeward Planning Commission because I firmly believe that it requires another depth of Page 25 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 understanding of this place and not just of one document; the General Plan. It would be a much easier job if all we had to understand was the "I's" and the "t's" on the paperwork that we see. But the history and the culture of this place goes back deep and beyond in arenas of accountability that far surpass our understanding, but we are at a tipping point. And the decisions that are made by the Leeward Planning Commission right now directly impact the future of this island; my home, where I was born and raised. So, that's the reason I am so passionate about ensuring that the most qualified people are nominated and approved to serve on this commission. So, thank you for understanding my passion and how it's very similar to yours. We just happen to be in different roles right now. So, I humbly present just that opinion and reminder that we've been operating under an obsolete and outdated General Plan. So, to say that that would be your new job, the ironies, they're just too great for me there. So, I yield. MR. KANGAS: I appreciate that very much. I did read the 2005 and acknowledges that was outdated and was not functioning. I read 2045 and then saw that the job of the Planning Commission is to, in that document, to aim at the General Plan, and that's where I got that job description. I'm not aware of the history. I am aware that there has been plenty of tension, and I do respect your passion very much and honor that. We'll get to know each other, hopefully, over the years. I would say on a side note on that, I didn't know probably, that the Planning Commission —I didn't look at it as, wow, a really high-ranking power profile job. I didn't think that at all. I was asked to consider and take a look at it, and when I read what was going on and with the passions that I have, and what I make by demonstrating every day with Kind Homes. CHR. EVANS: Okay, any other? Okay, it's up to me. Thank you. So, love your honesty and integrity and your desire to serve. As the representative of the district, I am not going to support your recommendation and nomination. And I have to explain it so that everyone understands. The Planning Commission is probably one of the most powerful bodies that we have, voting on how our community will look like in the future. So, these decisions are critical to what the community will look like in the near future and into the future. When I saw your nomination come up, I called people out in the district and asked if they knew you or knew of you, something that I hang my hat on as to, you know, your civic engagement, your community engagement, your activities Page 26 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 in the community; how people believe that you listen to them, that you work with them. The people that have been there for generations that are extremely active in the Community Development Planning process. They actually meet every single month. They meet in subcommittees and talk about public access, parks, roads, and water. And, you know, they all talk about this and meet on a regular basis. Haven't heard of you and it's making them very uncomfortable that you would be representing their district and not feel like you are kind of connected to them. So, I'm getting some, "Please don't confirm, please don't confirm." Because they don't know you. I think that's legitimate to take that into consideration. But the other thing is and I'm reflecting, last year we had a young man that came in front of the Council that had the same, just like you, compassion; desire, been in the community five or six years. I mean just totally committed. And we as a body turned him down. Why? Because your first time out working on a board or commission. I'm going to say, you should be on another one before you step up to be on the Planning Commission. There's other boards and commissions that you could serve on and learn a lot about working with the community; staying engaged with the community when you're making decisions. But this is such a big deal. I was going to ask you, one question that didn't come up is, my community is rural. They want to keep country, country, but we have a challenge called affordable housing, and so, your experience in building, it sounds more like high -end developing homes. So, how would you find that —how would you achieve the very low-income housing that is missing in my district? MR. KANGAS: Absolutely, and that's a passion of mine, actually. That's what I've been working with Dr. Falk on, is looking at 3DCP (31) Construction Printing), which changes the way to build. We've been building with sticks forever, and it's time consuming. You can't get a home up in less than a year; it just takes time, and our labor force is decreasing at the same time, right? So, we're going to be short and it's just going to get worse. We've just got to change the style. We've got to change the way we go about it. Now, I am aware of some of the ways to possibly get some land to help and those communities to do affordable housing. But just because we get the ability to say Mayor Roth gives the land, he says, "Hey we can do affordable housing here." Where are you going to get a developer to come in and develop it at a price point that's able to make it affordable? It's not there unless we change the style and we go to 3D CP where we can now build homes that are termite proof, hurricane proof, have longevity, the R-factor's (Recommended Insulation) incredible. Page 27 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 You know, and we can build them quickly. The labor cost goes down. Now, we've created true affordable housing. If we're going to build with a 2 x 4, it'll never be affordable. That's just not going to happen. We have to change the structure altogether. And then once we do and then we get a robot who can do it with Al (Artificial Intelligence). We're from one lot to the next, and we're just pumping out homes that are really beautiful homes that we can bring people into. That's the direction I'm headed and I'm working on daily, so. That's how I see it. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. I'm glad as a developer that you're thinking out of the box as to what products we might bring to Hawaii to lower the cost. But you know, the Planning Commission is about land use and the vision of the community; and mixed use, and commercial, and retail, and special uses, and variances. There're so many decisions that will reflect what the community is going to end up looking like. And I just believe you haven't been here long enough and haven't been engaged enough to represent my community at this time. So, for that reason, I will not be supporting your nomination. But thank you for your willingness to put your name in, okay? MR. KANGAS: Absolutely. CHR. EVANS: With that, we have a motion the floor. Mr. Clerk, take a roll call. Vote on Comm. 736: The motion to recommend confirmation of the nomination Failed of Mr. Brian Kangas to the Leeward Planning Commission was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball — 4. Noes: Committee Members Inaba, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 3. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. MR. HENRICKS: The motion fails. It will be recorded as an unfavorable recommendation when it goes to Council. CHR. EVANS: Thank you. Page 28 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 Comm. 737: NOMINATION OF SUZI BOND TO THE MERIT APPEALS BOARD From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 15, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 30, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm. 737: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Ms. Suzi Bond to the Merit Appeals Board. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomalka'i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 738: REAPPOINTMENT OF LISA MCNAMARRA TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 15, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 30, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm. 738: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Ms. Lisa McNamarra to the Merit Appeals Board. Seconded by Mr. Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kagiwada and Lee Loy — 2. Excused: None. Page 29 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 739: NOMINATION OF LLOYD MATSUBARA TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 15, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Vote on Comm. 739: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Mr. Lloyd Matsubara to the Transportation Commission. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 740: NOMINATION OF TYLER PACHECO TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 15, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Tyler Pacheco to the Transportation Commission. Seconded by Ms. Kimball. (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) CHR. EVANS: Okay. MS. BARTOLOME: On behalf of Mayor Roth, we are pleased to be nominating Tyler Pacheco of District 2 to the Transportation Commission. Tyler is a lifelong resident of Hawai'i Island. He graduated from Hilo High School. Page 30 GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 You know, I've known him for a very long time, since he was little and got to know him a little better from church. And he sang on the praise and worship team. He is not the owner of Native Flesh Tattoos, but he works at Native Flesh Tattoos. I have no idea what happened to him. I don't know if we scared him earlier, but he is not here. He was here. He showed up on time and not here now. So, however, if this is something that he is still interested in continuing, he will serve a term ending December 31, 2024. And your favorable confirmation is requested. Mahalo. CHR. EVANS: Mr. Pacheco is not with us? MS. BARTOLOME: No. I tried reaching out to him. He didn't respond. Like I said, he was here earlier. CHR. EVANS: Okay. Good. Members? Member Kierkiewicz followed by Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I don't know Tyler, so I wouldn't feel comfortable moving this to Council. There's also no 45-day deadline. He may have had a client appointment that he needed to get to. But Ms. Bartolome, Pomai, could you maybe just reach out to him and confirm that he's still interested, and if so, perhaps we can postpone this to the next Committee hearing where we can talk story with him, just like we did with Mr. Matsubara. But if not, I think at that point we can just, you know, dissolve the communication. But I would love for you to just reach out to confirm that he's still interested. MS. BARTOLOME: Yeah, sure thing. Will do, thank you. CHR. EVANS: Okay. Member Kaneali `i-Kleinfelder. Motion to Postpone: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to postpone Comm. 740 to March 19, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. EVANS: Any discussion? Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I did see him. he stayed for about two hours, and I saw him on his phone, then he was gone. But there was a lot of testimony this morning and our hearing on the first resolution was lengthy. So I'd like to at least give him an opportunity to see if he is interested, then I'll go from there. Okay. Page 31. GOEAC-27 March 5, 2024 CHR. EVANS: Okay, thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all in favor? Any opposed? Vote on Motion The motion to postpone the nomination of Tyler Pacheco to the to Postpone: Transporatation Commission to March 19, 2024, was carried by (Approved) the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. Comm. 745: NOMINATION OF RALPH PALIKAPU DEDMAN TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated February 14, 2024, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 29, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm. 745: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Mr. Ralph Palikapu Dedman to the Game Management Advisory Commission. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika'i Bartolome came forward and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Page 32 GOEAC-27 ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:33 p.m., Mr. Inaba moved to MENT: adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Evans - 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Lee Loy - 1. Excused: None. CHR. EVANS: We are adjourned at 1:33 p.m. U19=4 Ms. Cindy Evans, rh-air- Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs CE/dt 'Y I -,-, � z 1 (Date) March 5, 2024 Page 33