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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.000 2006-2008 JMYY Oi M~ ' Dixie Kaetsu Harry Kim y6ex. Mayor Managing Director Barbara J. Koslow 't~`r• 'h~~i~ Deputy Managing Director • or M• ~IIlxlt~'~1 0~ '(~Mi1T2Itt 25 Aupnni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-821 I Faz (808) 961-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Sui[e l03 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 329-5226 Faz (808) 326-5663 r. c. C='x March 9, 2007 j„ ~ _ Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Hoffmann and Council Members: c~ As you know, the County of Hawaii Planning Department has initiated the process for the South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP). The General Plan calls for the formation of a steering committee, whose members would be nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. We would appreciate your attention to this matter, and are requesting that this item be placed on the March 20, 2007 Planning Committee Agenda for discussion, with confirmation of these individuals on the April 4, 2007 full Council agenda. The South Kohala CDPSC will consist of 11 members who live and/or work in South Kohala. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the South Kohala CDP process has a broad base of community participation, and that the plan is prepared in the best interest of the health and welfare of the community. The Steering Committee would in many ways serve as ambassadors for the planning process. Their term is for atwo-year period and would be extended if necessary to run parallel with the CDP process. It is my pleasure to inform you that I have nominated the following individuals to the newly created South Kohala CDPSC: 1. Marvin Kawano was born and raised in Waimea, and after attending Rice University, returned home to work in his family's farming business. He routinely attends meetings with other farmers to discuss issues in the South Kohala community and feels that he can serve as a conduit to convey information between the farming community and the South Kohala CDP. Marvin cares about the future of South Kohala and would like to improve the quality of life for its residents, while maintaining its unique characteristics. Comm. Na•_ 2 3 ~,c#, mate ~ 0 9 2007 , Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann and Members of the County Council March 9, 2007 Page 2 2. Robert Hunter is a 10-year resident of Waimea who is currently self-employed as a web patent agent. Robert volunteers his time as a director on the board of the Waimea Community Association, as a member of the South Kohala Traffic and Safety Commission, and as a volunteer with the Friends of the Thelma Parker Library. Robert feels that Hawaii Island is at a critical point in its history and strongly supports the CDP process. 3. Margaret Wiile has been a South Kohala resident for over four years and is self- employed as a practicing attorney licensed in Hawaii. She is an active community volunteer participating as a member of the Waimea Community Development Plan Commission. Margaret believes that everyone in the community can participate in the planning process in one way or another, and the job of the steering committee will be to provide realistic opportunities. 4. William Bergin is long time resident of South Kohala and has lived in Waimea since 1957, when he moved into the Hawaiian Homes Community of Kuhio Village. William is currently employed by the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture as a Veterinary Officer. His service to his community over the years includes his appointment as a regent of the University of Hawaii, participation in the Waimea Community Association, and as president of the Paniolo Preservation Society. As a long-time resident of the Waimea community, he has come to learn much about what people value about this place, and he would like to bring that knowledge into the CDP process. 5. Joel Lilly has been a resident of South Kohala for three years and is currently employed at Kanu O Ka Aina as a school administrator. Her volunteer work has ranged from helping to start student organizations at the University of Hawaii to coordinating the "Kupaa Mahope O ka Aina" workshop, which focused on educating the Hawaiian community about State and Federal processes regarding environmental issues. She is a caring community person and is committed to hearing all of the voices of the community. 6. Merleene Kirkland is a 12-year resident of the Waikoloa community and is currently employed by the Department of Education as a Hawaiian Studies teacher. Merleene participates in many community activities that include memberships in the Waikoloa PTSA, Waikoloa Lion's Club, and the South Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club. She is an excellent communicator and as a kamaaina or "child of this land", she is encouraged to think and speak from that perspective. 7. Ruth Smith is a 22-year resident of South Kohala and is presently employed as Vice Principal of Waikoloa Elementary School. She is a member of the American Business Women's Association, a board member of the Kawaihae Village Association, and aRead-a-Thon fund raiser for multiple scleroses. Ruth has a strong, energetic work ethic and her long-term commitment is to the community of Waikoloa, which she exemplifies in her everyday life. Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann and Members of the County Council March 9, 2007 Page 3 8. Jacqui Hoover has lived in the South Kohala district for over 20 years and is currently employed as the president of the Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference. Jacqui is the present chairperson of Waimea Middle School's LAP and is a current member of the Naupaka Foundation and the Hawaii Island United Way. Born and raised on Hawaii Island, Jacqui is committed to doing all that she can to ensure that the children of Hawaii are able to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. 9. George Robertson has lived in the South Kohala area 31 years and is currently employed by the Estate of Neil Young. George is a trained mediator and served as past president of the West Hawaii Mediation Service, where his skills were critical in helping the community and helicopter operators develop the"fly neighborly program." He is committed to preserving and protecting the Hawaii Island lifestyle and environment. 10. Riley Smith is a nine-year resident of the South Kohala community and is currently employed as aVice-President of Parker Ranch. Riley is an active community volunteer serving as a member on the County's Water Board, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club. His excellent communication skills, along with a thorough knowledge of County government and the South Kohala area, make him a valuable member to the steering committee 11. Kelly Thomas has lived in the South Kohala community for over two years and is presently employed as the operations supervisor at the Natural Energy Lab Hawaii Authority. His volunteer experience ranges from working on the Waikoloa logistics team to being a Big Brother and coach of youth basketball. Kelly has an extensive background in urban and regional planning and adds this experience to the steering committee, saying that he likes to help where he can and wants the best for his community. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call me at your convenience. Your review and favorable confirmation of these names would be appreciated. Aloh Harry Kim MAYOR cc: Christopher Yuen, Planning Department Jane Testa, Research and Development Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel Appointees