HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 027 09/08/2011 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: September 8, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 316
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai'i
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 316, reports as
follows:
Communication No. 316 from Mayor William Kenoi, dated August 18, 2011, requests
confirmation of the appointment of Christopher A. Manfredi of the Ka`u District to the Hawai`i
County Windward Planning Commission. Communication No. 316, notes that Mr. Manfredi is a
nine-year resident of Hawai`i. Since 2006, he has managed Ka`u Farm and Ranch Co., LLC. He
is a board member of the Hawai`i Coffee Association, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Ka`u
Agricultural Water Cooperative District Steering committee, Ka`u Coffee Festival committee
and Ka `Ghana 0 Honu'apo. He is also the founding president of the Ka`u Farm Bureau and the
Associate Director of the Ka`u Soil and Water Conservation District.
Mr. Manfredi states that he is not affiliated with any political party. If confirmed he will serve a
term to end on March 31, 2015.
Council Member Smart asked Mr. Manfredi why he is interested in serving on the Commission.
Mr. Manfredi stated that the Mayor asked him to serve, and he feels he has strong background
experience in many areas such as land use, agriculture, archeology, water, soil and coastal
conservation, business development, and community development. He also feels he represents a
balance between development and environmental communities; and listens to all sides to find
common ground to satisfy the largest number of stakeholders. He stated that if he is asked, he
will do his best to participate as he has a difficult time saying no to anyone when asked to help.
Council Member Smart stated she received more opposing testimony than supporting. She
expressed her appreciation for all of his work on the different boards and commissions, but is
concerned if he will be able to devote the time required to serve on this Commission. She also
stated that she must listen to what her constituents say, so she cannot support this nomination.
Council Member Ikeda stated that he was looking for an independent decision maker regardless
of backgrounds.
Council Member Yagong acknowledged Mr. Manfredi's diverse background and asked if this
was a reappointment or if it is his first time to be nominated. He also asked that if Mr. Manfredi
is confirmed, who he would represent.
PC RPT NO. 27
PC-27 Page 2 September 8, 2011
Mr. Manfredi responded that in 2009 he was a nominee but he withdrew due to the negative
community comments, although his nomination passed with a favorable recommendation from
Committee. He further stated that if confirmed, he would represent the entire island.
Council Member Yoshimoto thanked Mr. Manfredi for his willingness to serve and stated he
focuses on a nominee's character. He also stated that he believed Mr. Manfredi to be a strong
agriculture advocate, a good listener, energetic, articulate, and a committed volunteer with high
integrity.
Council Member Pilago stated that he felt Mr. Manfredi needed to be more sensitive to education
and health care issues.
Council Members Blas and Ikeda voted kanalua twice.
Committee Chair Hoffmann and Council Member Smart requested that Mr. Manfredi be present
at the next reading before full Council.
Your Committee on Planning is not in accordance with the purpose and intent of Communication
No. 316 and forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation.
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AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
ONISHI X = r*'"
PILAGO X /1.
SMART X PETE HOF' : , CH' IR
YAGONG X 'C 'ORT NS. 27
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: SEP 21 2UI1