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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 056 07/18/2012 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: July 18, 2012 Re: Comm. No. 766 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 11:15 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Comm. No. 766, reports as follows: Communication No. 766 from Mayor Billy Kenoi, dated June 15, 2012, nominates Gregory G. Ogin to a four-year term on the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee (KCDPAC). Mr. Ogin, a 30-year resident of the Big Island, has been active in the business community; and is the president of the Clark Realty Group, which is a Real Estate and Land Management Company. He has been active in several community organizations such as the Kona Kohala Chamber, the Rotary Club of Kona, the Island of Hawai`i YMCA, as well as the County's own Kailua Village Design District Commission. Mr. Ogin's business insight and business community contacts bring a much needed perspective to the Action Committee. Nominee Gregory G. Ogin was present at the West Hawai`i Civic Center and stated that he has lived on the island since 1981 and has raised his family here. He further stated that he is looking forward to serving on the KCDPAC to help preserve the quality of life in the Kona area. Several Committee Members were concerned about the lack of diversity of interests represented by the members of the KCDPAC. They stated that Mr. Ogin seems qualified but his background in real estate was similar to other members on the committee. It was clarified that the KCDP does list diversification of background and interest as a criteria in nominee selection for the KCDPAC. Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd explained the process of vetting the nominee's application by using a criteria scoring sheet and selecting the top scores to be nominated. She stated that there are challenges in finding volunteers that are willing to serve on this and other committees and commissions. She further stated that these three nominees, if approved, will still leave two, soon to be vacant, spots on the committee. Committee Member Pilago asked Mr. Ogin about his past experience with the Community Development Plans (CDP) and how he would help move the CDP process forward. PC Rept. No.: 56 PC-56 Page 2 July 18, 2012 Mr. Ogin stated that he did not have much interface with the CDP process but his involvement with other Kailua-Kona community organizations and his ability to get community input would be an asset to this committee. He discussed the opening of the West Hawai`i Civic Center (WHCC) and the gap it created in the Kona Village area when the County vacated its leased office spaces. Committee Member Pilago stated that the WHCC did not create a rental vacuum in Kailua-Kona and it has been a positive, not negative, asset to the community. Committee Member Yagong clarified the background interest of the current committee members. Committee Chair Hoffmann stated that his office wrote the legislation that established Community Development Plan Action Committees and that while a balance of interests from each community would be beneficial, the Action Committee legislation did not require such a balance. Committee Member Ford stated that she has provided recommendations of individuals for various committees and commissions to the Mayor but none of those individuals were ever contacted. She further stated that the vetting process could be discriminatory in regards to seeking nominees that have lived on the island for a long time, and explained that Kailua-Kona is a diverse blend of both Native Hawaiians and newcomers and the committee should reflect that. She believes new ideas and experiences would also be good for this committee. Committee Member Yoshimoto stated that the vetting process has been properly completed and the nominees should be evaluated on character, commitment, and integrity. He further stated that he is not sure a perfect balance of backgrounds can be achieved. For informational purposes, Committee Member Yagong voted "kanalua"twice. Mr. Ogin is not required to be present before the full Council for final confirmation. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 766 and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Gregory G. Ogin to the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. mh AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, BLAS X FORD x COMMITTEE ON PLANNING HOFFMANN X IKEDA X ONISHI X PILAGO X ff � SMART x PETE HOFFMA Pi, AIR YAGONG x PC ' PO T NO. 56 YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTE R. OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY Meeting: August 1,2012—51st Session Action: Filed Communication 766 and PC-56 PC Report 56 transmitted the above Communication and confirmation failed due to vote count as follows: 4 ayes; 3 nos; and 2 excused (08/01/12 Council Meeting) Re: Comm. 766 /PC56