HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0136.001 2024-2026March 4, 2023
County Council
Meeting March 7, 2025
@ 9:00am
RE: GOEAC-24 NOMINATION OF CHRIS K. TOAFILI TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
COMMISSSION
He Mele komo a he mele aloha no na kupuna o ke au i hala Aloha mai kakou.
Aloha,
My name is Cindy Freitas and I'm a Native Hawaiian descended of the native inhabitants of Hawai'i
prior to 1778 and born and raised in Hawai'i.
I am also a practitioner who still practice the cultural traditional customary practices that was instill in
me by my grandparents at a young age from mauka (MOUNTAIN TO SEA) to makai in many areas.
I am writing to formally OPPOSE the nomination of Chris K. Toafili to the Leeward Planning
Commission. This position carries significant responsibility, particularly in overseeing development
within the Special Management Area (SMA) in Kailua-Kona.
While I do not have a personal conflict with Mr. Toafili, my concerns are based solely on publicly
available information. His repeated failure to comply with Hawai`i's campaign finance laws raises
serious questions about his accountability and suitability for this role.
Documented Failures in Compliance
1. Failure to File an Organizational Report
Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §I1-322(c) requires candidates to file an organizational report within
10 days of filing nomination papers or reaching $100 in campaign contributions or expenditures. Mr.
Toafili repeatedly failed to do so.
2. Failure to Correct the Organizational Report
Despite receiving official notices, Mr. Toafili did not make the necessary corrections, as required by
law.
3. Failure to File Disclosure and Late Contribution Reports
HRS §I1-340(f) mandates that candidates and committees submit timely disclosure reports. The
Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission publicly lists individuals who fail to comply. Mr. Toafili's
name appears on multiple non-compliance notices, including:
• July 14, 2022
• September 2, 2022
• December 8, 2022
• January 31, 2023
• July 31, 2023
Comm. Ko, 4 1
Ref. To:
Ref. Dc�,1 7 02`
• January 31, 2025
Why This Matters
The Leeward Planning Commission plays a crucial role in shaping responsible development and
ensuring compliance with land use policies, particularly in environmentally and culturally sensitive
areas. A commissioner must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to upholding
regulations.
Given Mr. Toafili's pattern of failing to meet basic legal requirements, I urge the Council to reconsider
this nomination. The people of Hawaii deserve leaders who respect and follow the laws they are
entrusted to uphold.
Mahalo,
_/s/
Cindy Freitas