HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0352.005 2024-2026P /Cowci I
(, W.352
CIC EW, u8
From: Steph Bath
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:05 AM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAI' I'
Subject: Stephanie Bath PCDP AC - confirmation RECENED
Time I 1 '� a.M . By
Date J U L 0 8 2025
Good morning,
Before being confirmed I want to share a bit more about myself and sense of place here in Hawaii. I
figure it might help you since we will be working with one another to finally achieve priorty elements of
the implementation of the PCDP.
About me:
Daughter of Lawrence Dimitri Slutzky and Frances Macaroff,
Granddaughter of David Dimitri Slutzky and Martha Micno (Belarus)
Granddaughter of Andrei Fedorovich Macaroff (Russian whose parents immigrated to old Stara Guta
East of Kiev, Ukraine because thats where they couldfarm)and Mary Wisochanska.
Wife of Roy Bath,(43 years)
Mother of Noah and Katrina( both born and raised here in East Hawaii)
Resident of Kurtistown since 1981(44years)
I was not born here.) arrived later, however I grew up here. I'm still growing.
I have gardened since I was 2.1 have memories of sitting in "Granny"s garden by the strawberry
patch. Over 6 decades ago.
Food security is a critical piece of our community.
I was a recipient in the first round of HDOA microgrants for food security.
I teach gardening to keiki and whoever is interested.
When I arrived I sought out someone to teach me the Hawaiian language.
I could find no one.
I was instructed in the practice of Hooponopono
in the early 80s by Auntie Morrnah Simeona.
Mauna Loa is my second favorite mauna. I ascended her first pre 1984 eruption and a number of
times since. She is the literal foundation of our home/ garden. I have enjoyed high altitude
backpacking.(although time and age have presented less opportunities)
Served on the:
*Hawaiian Acres community association -mid 80s
*Hawaii State Board of Massage Therapy -member numerous terms S
* Hawaii State massage therapy advisory board come.
* Hawaii 2050 - sustainability plan- participant Ref. To:
*Faith based service I Ref. Dote'JUL' ® 9 2025
*Puna regional circulation plan
*Puna community development plan steering committee- lead over the transportation theme
* Ad hoc committee for mass transit
* Ad hoc committee for health, safety and connectivity
* Mayors committee on Connectivity( Kim admin..Roth?)
*Former Red Cross - shelter manager
*Active in the Haw,;aii: County CERT program.
(deployments,hav�inel,uded;,T;S Iselle, Pahoa and Leilani events, Lane, Kona lows, Community
outreach meeting9?rep:Mauna Loa eruption 2022 (scribe),etc)
*CERT-facilitator/d6achl.admin tasks
.r
Small business owner of my medical restorative massage therapy practice for 42 years
Seeing the sorely lacking level of medical services in Puna, I moved my practice from Hilo to
Kurtistown a few years ago. The Puna community has been appreciative.
This process required transversing the PW building permits process and, getting the special permit
from planning required to legally and lawfully create a business in Ag zoning.
I can understand the reason so many are working out of non compliant businesses in our ag
communities.
I experienced obstacles and EPIC system challenges.( I went through the process during a time when
the system was getting up and running.Many remember the learning curse.)I will add that there were
some wonderful folks in both departments that provided invaluable support!
It's been said I have tenacity. Stick to it ness is a requirement in working with Hawaii County
Administration. I hope to be part of change.
Upper Puna needs voice. Our community has been grounded in our PCDP for
decades.Administrations come and go. Every new admin needs to be brought up to speed.County
leadership can serve and do the job they are employed to do as we your employer give concise
directions on how you can best serve us.
This is the reason I am volunteering my time and talents to service on our PCDP Action committee.
Comm -unity,
Stephanie Bath
Kurtistown
t