HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0824.003 2022-2024C-WEAC
C , 824
From: Amber Corrales
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Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 6:41 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Leeward Planning Commission Testimony
Dear Chair Evans and Members of the Government Operations and External
Affairs Comrree:-�,-'`"
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I am writing today to testify IN SUPPORT of Kinuko Noborikawa for the North Kohala seat on the
Leeward Planning Commission.
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, including many of those in Kohala.
Noborikawa's family lineage in Kohala dates back to 1901, where they lived in Halawa 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 Hawai'i 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'i in 2016 to care for her aging parents.
Kinuko is honest, thorough, caring, and has a deep reverence for the'aina, community, and culture of
Kohala. She is committed to finding solutions for social justice, and smart growth that puts aloha
'aina at the forefront of the Leeward communities of Hawai'i Island.
In sum, her experience, deep roots, and involvement and commitment to the North Kohala community
makes her a valuable candidate and we strongly recommend her for the North Kohala seat on the
Leeward Planning Commission.
Mahalo,
Mrs. Amber Corrales, MEd.
Teacher, Kohala High School
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. DcdWIY- 024