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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br /> GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br /> DATE: May 6, 2025 Re: Comm.No. 269 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,to which was referred <br /> Communication No. 269,reports as follows: <br /> Communication No. 269,transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 17, 2025, <br /> requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of John T. Kimura to the <br /> Board of Appeals. <br /> Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to <br /> introduce Mr. Kimura, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee. <br /> Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Kimura why this was his first choice of Boards and <br /> Commissions to serve on. Mr. Kimura said he believed it was an important board to serve on. <br /> Chair Kagiwada asked if he had any relevant experience regarding this board. Mr. Kimura said <br /> that he looked into it and watched a couple of past sessions on the website. Chair Kagiwada <br /> asked if he knew the responsibilities it entailed, and Mr. Kimura responded that he is retired and <br /> able to do the reading required. <br /> Committee Member Rebecca Villegas mentioned that there are several cases that continue to be <br /> postponed by the Board of Appeals and asked if he would be willing to reach out to Council <br /> Members when cases from their district come before the Board of Appeals for background <br /> information. Mr. Kimura said he would be willing to do that. Member Villegas said that it <br /> would be helpful if the members were able to reach out and make sure they have all the <br /> information available. <br /> Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen said that it would be inappropriate for a Board of Appeals <br /> member to contact a Council Member to discuss active cases. Ms. Schoen said that it is a public <br /> hearing, so a Council Member could provide any information they felt was relevant as public <br /> testimony so that it would be available to all the Board members. <br /> Committee Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder spoke in favor of the <br /> appointment. <br /> GOEAC Report No.41 <br />