HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0824.007 2022-2024P /GOEAc
Gomm. 824
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Kathleen Matsuda t-
PO Box 519 _ s
Hawi, HI 96719
3
Dear Chair Evans and Members of the Government Operations and External Affairs Commit -fee:
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, white 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.
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 I strongly recommend her for the North Kohala
seat on the Leeward Planning Commission.
Mahalo,
Yraf k&n VaMuda
Kathleen Matsuda, Kohala Resilience Hub Coordinator
Comm. No. �F
Ref. To:-_
Ref. late NAY ~- 1 2024