HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0048.002 2024-2026TESTIMONY OF DARYN ARAI
before the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Jenn Kagiwada, Chair
Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Aloha, Chair Kagiwada and Vice Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Members of the Committee,
SUBJECT: Communication No. 48
Appointment of JEFFREY W. DARROW as Director of Planning
I would like to offer my strong support of the appointment of Jeffrey W. Darrow as the Director
of Planning.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Darrow for 20 years while we were both employed
at the Planning Department, and for an additional 5 years as I entered private practice as a land
use consultant after my retirement. We essentially "grew up" together within the Planning
Department, and I can truthfully attest to his extensive knowledge, analytical abilities and
sensible application of governing processes and land use regulations that befits the position of
Director of Planning.
Mr. Darrow's employment history as a Police Officer, Zoning Inspector and Planner clearly
demonstrates his commitment to upholding the laws of this County and State. But what is
special about Mr. Darrow is his firm, but compassionate approach towards his responsibilities
that seeks proper balance and when needed, reasonable solutions. It is easy to be simply
academic in one's approach to administering the land use laws of this County. It is much more
difficult to take those extra steps to ensure that the way the laws are being applied are
consistent with its legislative intent and without conflict with the myriads of laws and
requirements that span the breadth of Federal, State and County jurisdictions.
Mr. Darrow accomplishes this by having more than a quarter of a century of experience in:
• the Planning Department, working through many positions that gave him increasing
levels and broader range of responsibilities;
• interactions and cooperation with various agencies and community organizations; and
• working through complex issues with his colleagues within the Planning Department,
capitalizing on the wide bandwidth of knowledge and skillsets that exist within the
department.
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TESTIMONY OF DARYN ARAI
before the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Page 2 of 2
There is no substitute for experience. Our County deserves someone like Mr. Darrow who can
hit the ground running from Day 1, as Mayor Alameda has provided by allowing Mr. Darrow to
transition from Deputy Planning Director to Acting Director of Planning. There is too much to
do and little time available for anyone to "fully assimilate" into any new position.
I know that Mr. Darrow has appeared before the Council and its Committees on numerous
occasions over the last 4 years as Deputy Planning Director, so most of you have already
"kicked the tires". And you are all aware that things can only get accomplished when the
"rubber hits the road".
For the reasons as stated above, I respectfully ask for your support of the appointment of
Jeffrey W. Darrow as the Director of Planning for the County of Hawaii.
With kind regards,
Daryn Arai
PO Box 4501
Hilo, HI 96720