HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0824.014 2022-2024i 80[�AG
COMM, 924
From: Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 2:04 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in support - Kinuko Noborikawa for Leeward Planning Commission
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Dear Chair Evans, Vice Chair Lee Loy, and Members of the Government Operations and External Aftirs
Committee:
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I am writing today to testify IN SUPPORT of Kinuko Noborikawa for the,North Kohala seat on the Leewafd `h
Planning Commission. --i .
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It has been a blessing to have Ms. Noborikawa come home to Kohala. She jumped into this very active
community's life and projects with both feet. I have frequently seen her at community gatherings as well as
meetings of the CDP Advisory Group, Community Access Group, Affordable Housing Group, and the Culture
and History Hui. If there is an issue in front of the community or a government -sponsored meeting, she will
always be there.
In my view, one of the most important qualifications for a member of the Leeward Planning Commission is to
truly understand the values and objectives of the community they represent, and to know who in the
community needs to be consulted when land use decisions come up, beyond the neighbors who will inevitably
weigh in on any given matter. Secondly, they should have a willingness to work hard and be collaborative as a
member of a Commission reviewing matters that affect other districts and indeed the whole of Hawaii County.
Noborikawa has these "soft" skills in addition to broad experience that is relevant to planning at the County
level.
Noborikawa has over a decade of 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.
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 Hawaii in 2016 to care for her
aging parents.
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,
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Director, Conservation and Legacy Lands
HAWAPI LIFE
bethPinawalitife.com Cornrn. N
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