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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 112 2026-04-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: April 7, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 804 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication No. 804, reports as follows: Communication No. 804, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 16, 2026, requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Paul Mentz to the Windward Planning Commission. Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Mentz, who was also present via remote technology. Mr. Alameda stated that Mr. Mentz was committed to meeting the demands of the schedule that the Windward Planning Commission requires. Committee Member Michelle M. Galimba asked him to talk more about his experience with the charter school he works at and how that could translate to understanding land use on the Commission. Mr. Mentz says that a tenant from their school emphasizes agriculture and connecting with the `aina and that is an important part of the work he does. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas asked him to share his areas of expertise regarding land planning and how to navigate recent controversial projects. Mr. Mentz said that he doesn't have a specific planning background, but does have experience in understanding maps, and as a teacher he understands the importance of doing his "homework". He emphasized the importance of asking relevant questions. Committee Member Heather L. Kimball asked him to share more about what his ideas are around the maintenance of public access and preservation of agricultural lands. Mr. Moritz said he values public access as someone who enjoys outdoor activities and highlighted the importance of keeping public lands protected and clean for everyone. Mr. Moritz said that making sure that agricultural areas stay agricultural areas is essential for survival. Member Kimball then asked about his thoughts about transient vacation rentals. Mr. Montz's answer seemed to be a balance of having places they are allowed and places they are restricted. He said that he wants to see vacation rentals be eco-friendly and sustainable while contributing to their communities. Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked Mr. Mentz if he would like to see his students stay here in Hawaii after graduating. Mr. Mentz said that he absolutely wants to see the brightest and best of our keiki to be able to stay here. Member Onishi said that for his students to be able to stay here GOEAC Report No. 112 GOEAC-112 Page 2 April 7, 2026 there needs to be opportunities for good jobs for people to stay here because the cost of living is so high. He encouraged Mr. Moritz to see the balance and understand that the projects before the Planning Commission might be things that can allow for greater job opportunities that would help his students to stay here. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Mr. Moritz where he lives. Mr. Moritz said he lives in Ocean View. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if he has read the book "Land and Power in Hawai`i," Mr. Moritz said no. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder encouraged him to read the book to get a history of the decisions that were made to create the large subdivisions without infrastructure across the Puna and South Kona area. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder stated that he wants to see the Planning Commissions look at reviewing projects based on whether or not the infrastructure supports it. Mr. Moritz said that this is one of the reasons he wants to serve on this Commission. Committee Member James E. Hustace asked Mr. Alameda how many active educators are currently serving on Boards and Commissions. Mr. Alameda estimated that maybe there are six. Member Hustace highlighted the time sacrifice for educators serving on Boards and Commissions and gave Mr. Moritz an acknowledgement for applying to serve in this manner. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Moritz to share his thoughts about creating affordable and attainable housing for our residents. Mr. Moritz said that ties into answering the question, what is sustainable housing here? He said it is based on having access to running water, and the goal of the Planning Commission is to make sure those fundamentals are available to everyone. Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 7, Section 6-7.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Windward Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 804, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Paul Moritz to the Windward Planning Commission. slm AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA X HUSTACE X INABA X KAGIWADA X KANEALI'I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL X ONISHI X VILLEGAS X Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL f�11. 0 :\C I EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 1' JE9N K!AGAVA15A, CHAIR GOEAC REPORT NO.: 112 ADOPTED: APR 2 2 202E