HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0327.002 2012-2014 Testimony in Favor of the appointment of Duane Kanuha to Planning Director 2
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July 10, 2013 =("—
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My name is John C. Cross, I am a resident of Hakalau Hawaii and Land Manager for the Edmund C.Olson
Trust II. I make this statement on behalf of myself as a resident of District 1 County of Hawaii and as a
representative of Mr. Edmund C. Olson. Mr.Olson is currently on a business trip to the mainland and
cannot be here to testify in person,but has authorized me to make these statements of support for
Duane Kanuha.
I have personally known Duane for some 20 years. We first met while competing in or enjoying
mountain bike trail rides with the Big Island Mountain Bike Association,then later while we were both
serving on the advisory council for Na Ala Hele I learned of Duane's keen respect for things that make
Hawaii so special. The preservation of trails for use by the public needed to have landowner"buy-in"
and support. He made sure that public access was provided and that it wasn't a "taking"but a
cooperative giving.
Duane and I are both avid hikers and enjoy the natural wonders of Hawaii that are often many miles
from a paved road. I have come to call on Duane as a friend as well as an excellent resource person
when needing advice on Land Planning matters.
In this regard Mr. Edmund Olson is very appreciative that Mayor Kenoi has tapped Mr. Kanuha to be our
next Planning Director. From time to time the Trust has asked Duane for his mana'o on certain land
development issues or access concerns. He has provided honest and valuable advice,he is reasoned
and fair.
The Trust owns over ten thousand acres on the island of Hawaii and has placed thousands of acres into
conservation easements,we have sold coastal lands in Kau to the County, processed subdivisions for
sale,and has recently purchased the Wainaku Center on Hilo Bay for development into a premier events
and convention center. We look forward to working with the County of Hawaii planning Department
under Duane's leadership as we continue to enhance the land and economic opportunities for the
island.
Comm.No 3.2 7. a
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