HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 008 02/06/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: February 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 107
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
TIlVIE: 10:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 107, reports as
follows:
Communication No. 107 from Mayor Harry Kim, dated January 17, 2007, nominates the
following individuals to serve on the Hawaii County Planning Commission:
Council District 1 - Mr. Takashi Domingo is a 67-year resident of Hawaii who is currently
retired. Mr. Domingo formerly worked as a Hawaii County Special Assistant from 1997 to
2002, and prior to that he served for 20 years as a Councilman for District 1 on the Hawaii
County Council. Mr. Domingo states he is a democrat and, if confirmed, he will serve a term to
expire on December 31, 2011, replacing Mr. Fred Galdones, whose term expired on December
31, 2006.
Council District 6 - Mr. Rell M. Woodward has been a resident of Hawaii for 1-1/2 years. He
was employed as a physician at OB-GYN Association in Houston, Texas from 1980 to 2002.
Mr. Woodward is the President of Ocean View Community Development Corporation, treasurer
of the Hawaii an Ocean View Road Maintenance Corporation and member of the Board of
Directors of the Ocean View Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Woodward states he is not affiliated
with any political party and, if confirmed, he will serve a term to expire on December 31, 2011,
replacing Mr. 7effrey W. McCall, whose term expired on December 31, 2006.
Pursuant to Section 6-4.3, Hawaii County Charter, the Planning Commission shall consist of
nine (9} members, one from each council district, appointed by the mayor with the approval of
the council.
At the February 6, 2007 Planning Committee meeting, a motion by Council Member Jacobson,
seconded by Council Member Ikeda to bifurcate the two nominations was unanimously
approved.
Mr. Woodward presented a short statement of what he sees his role as serving on the Planning
Commission. Mr. Woodward stated he lives in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, one of the fastest
growing areas on the island and believes in the concept of development being consistent with
pre-existing or concurrent infrastructure. Mr. Woodward is also in support of sustainability of
PC Report No. 8
Communication 107
Page 2 of 2
resources, Hawaiian culture and ecology, and feels a Planning Commission representative from
Ra`u as well as other districts are important. Mr. Woodward said he understands change will
happen, but that change has to be balanced with the Hawaiian culture and the ecology and wants
to do something for the community.
Council Member Yagong noted Mr. Woodward's support of preserving the coastline from
Honuapo to Volcano. Mr, Yagong also noted the controversial development proposal has the
potential of being very contentious. He stated that one cannot totally ignore economic
considerations yet on the other hand one also cannot allow it to take over ecological
considerations. Mr. Yagong advised Mr. Woodward it is important that he enters this position
with an open mind and listen to all sides. Mr. Yagong said he appreciated Mr. Woodward's
candor and reminded him that there is a portion of the community he must also give
consideration to.
Your Committee on Planning recommends the co~rmation of Mr. Rell M. Woodward, of
Council District 6, to the Hawaii County Planning Commission.
and
nvES NOES w~E ~ Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PL NG
HOFFMANN X ~ -
IItEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X K ANGEL PII,AGO, C AIIt
PII.AGO X
YAGONG X PC REPORT NO. 8
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: F~$ 1