HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0205.004 2008-2010
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Murashige, Laura
From: Daryn & Vivian Arai [dv.arai@hawaiiantel.netj ?rI i_.D
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 11:16 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us 1009 RPR Z P.PI 7 22
Subject: Testimony re: Communication205 - County Council Meeting f(r,Wednesd@y, Qpr~ l 8, 2009
Attachments: Council Testimony-Comm205=4-8-09.doc COUNTY " 'I- H40JAi[
Good morning.
I am submitting the attached testimony for the Council's consideration at its Wednesday, April 8, 2009 meeting.
Please contact me at 895-3218 should there be any questions.
Thank you for your assistance.
Daryn Arai
Comm. Nci
Ref. To: r/( tM/VLGI~
Ref. Date APR 0 8F~009
4/7/2009
April 7, 2009 r-4' i r- ED
2909 APR 7 AM 7 22
The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairperson t";^.1;; "7"
and Members of the Hawaii County Council COUN H1/%VJAIE
333 Ben Franklin Building, 2nd Floor
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairperson Yoshimoto and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
Testimony regarding the Appointment of Ms. Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd as
Planning Director (Communication No. 205)
Meeting Date: Wednesday, AUril 8, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage the Hawaii County Council to
confirm the appointment of Ms. Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd as Planning Director.
I am a planner approaching my 20d' year with the County of Hawaii Planning Department,
where I have served in various capacities both in the East and West Hawaii offices.
I have known Ms. Leithead-Todd for many years. My first significant contact with her was as
Deputy Corporation Counsel assigned to the Planning Department. She represented our
department very well by providing insightful and sound legal advice that allowed us to
effectively administer the myriad of plans, codes and regulations under our charge and defending
our actions to the very best of her abilities.
This association continued with her as a member of the Hawaii County Council, as Legislative
Auditor, and finally as Director of the Department of Environmental Management. In each
capacity, I have never known her to be anything but professional in conduct and passionate in
doing the best job she possibly can. I know that as Planning Director, she will undoubtedly do
what is best for the residents of this entire island.
Her experiences within both the legislative and executive branches of county government, her
knowledge of the State Legislative process, and her many years of association with the Planning
Department has given her the unique ability to offer a comprehensive approach to many
Planning-related issues. Obviously, there are many facets to consider when administering the
requirements of the Planning Department or when cultivating a plan or program. Each action
that she takes will have a profound effect upon the residents of this island. Ms. Leithead-Todd,
with her extensive experiences, will allow her to dissect and comprehensively manage the cause
and effect of her actions in a way that people, with less extensive experiences, may fail to
consider.
The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairperson
and Members of the Hawaii County Council
Page 2
April 7, 2009
In the short time that Ms. Leithead-Todd has been with our office as Acting Deputy Director and
most recently, as Planning Director, she had demonstrated the depth of her knowledge of our
operations and responsibilities. She, as the clichd goes, has already "hit the ground running!"
Ever since Mayor Kenoi took office, I found myself having moments of anxiety as I anxiously
awaited the nomination of a Planning Director that would guide this office during what has
become very trying times from an economic, sociologic, cultural and environmental standpoint.
With the appointment of Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, I can only say that I find myself sleeping a
lot better at night.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to offer my testimony. I hope that I have adequately
conveyed to all of you the high level of support that I place behind the appointment of
Ms. Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd as Planning Director.
Sincerely,
Daryn Arai
1700 Lei Lehua Street
Hilo, HI 96720-3328