HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0824.002 2022-2024P I QQEAC
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From:
joe.carvalho
Sent:
Sunday, April 28, 2024 4:32 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Evans, Cynthia F.W.
Subject:
Leeward Planning Commission Vacancy
4-3
mac:
April 28, 2024
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PO Box 776
Kapaau, HI96755
AZ
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Dear Chair Evans and Members of the Government Operations and External Affairs Committee:
I am writing today to testify in support of Ms. Kinuko Noborikawa for the North Kohala seat on the
Leeward Planning Commission.
Ms. Noborikawa has over a decade of vast experience in permitting, land use, planning and code
development, while working with local government. She has worked as a senior planner for nearly a
decade on various projects in Washington, as well as extensive advisory and strategic planning
experience within local community organizations. She has leadership experience with several
community organizations, now including many of those in Kohala. I currently work with her in the
North Kohala Cultural and Historical Advisory Group and also the Community Access Group in which
she has shown sound judgement, excellent communication and solid commitment to the North
Kohala community.
Ms. Noborikawa's family lineage in Kohala dates back to 1901, where they lived in Halawa Up Camp.
Her Great Grandfather and Grandfather worked for Kohala Sugar. Although born and raised in
Honolulu, she often spent time in Kohala as a youth. In 1976, she obtained her undergraduate degree
in Zoology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and continued as an MS candidate in Fisheries
Science at the University of Washington, Seattle. Since then she had been employed in multiple roles
before returning to Hawai' in 2016 to care for her aging parents. As a kupuna of the community, I
grew up with the Takatani (1950's-60's) side of Ms. Noborikawa's family and I am proud she is willing
to serve on the Leeward Planning Commission.
In sum, her experience, deep roots, and involvement and commitment to the North Kohala community
makes her a valuable candidate and I strongly recommend her for the North Kohala seat on the
Leeward Planning Commission.
Mahalo,
Joseph A. Carvalho
Comm. a
Ref. To:
Ref. Dote MAY - 1�20 4
Halaula, North Kohala