HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0327.004 2012-2014 P/ca Ntu.
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Council Testimony
From: Gayle.M.Nakamura @hawaii.gov
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 12:30 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony in support of Duane Kanuha
Attachments: support ltr-Duane Kanuha.pdf
Importance: High
Aloha,
On behalf of Russell Kokubun, Chairperson of the State Department of Agriculture, please find the attached supportive
testimony for Duane Kanuha as the Hawaii County Planning Director.
The original will also be mailed.
Mahalo!
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Comm.No., 3627.
Ref.To:
Ref. Date JUl. 1 0 2013
1
RUSSELL S.KOKUBUN
NEIL ABERCROMBIE f'~.�`es,="'\'%
Governor r Chairperson,Board of Agriculture
t ]I G L
bPn SCOTT E.ENRIGHT
Deputy to the Chairperson
State of Hawaii
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
1428 South King Street
Honolulu,Hawaii 96814-2512
Phone (8081 973-9600 FAX: (808)973-9613
July 9, 2013
Chairman Yoshimoto and Members
of the Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha Chairman Yoshimoto and Council Members,
SUBJECT: TESTIMONY IN STRONG SUPPORT OF DUANE KANUHA
AS THE HAWAII COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR
I am in strong support of Duane Kanuha to serve as Planning Director for the County of
Hawaii. Given his educational background, his vast experience in the public and private
sectors, and the level of his previous service in the County Planning Department, there
is no person better qualified to lead the County in its planning efforts. He is extremely
well versed in State and County land use laws and regulations because he understands
intimately why and how this framework has been established. His decision-making will
be founded on his extensive knowledge and practical experience as described in his
resume. With his reincarnation as Planning Director in this decade, Duane will have the
opportunity to work with all of you to further refine existing ordinances if necessary and
to develop new tools to better address the future growth of Hawaii Island and the
subsequent accompanying impacts.
Beyond the rational and undeniable set of facts stated, I know Duane as a long-time
and good friend who I trust and respect without limit. Born and raised on Hawaii Island,
Duane appreciates the unique and magnificent resources found here and thoughtfully
shares his knowledge not only with his own family but with all who will assume
responsibility for caring for our island home. My family and I have camped and hiked
with Duane and his family many, many times and his appreciation and connection with
Hawaii Island is deeply felt. As "Uncle Duane" to my children, grandchildren and
countless other young people, he clearly demonstrates and conveys his love and aloha
for Hawaii and her people through his caring and thoughtfulness. I include these
personal comments in my testimony to reflect my sense of Duane as a person with a
distinct set of values that will guide his behavior and decisions.
Councilman Yoshimoto and Members
of the Hawaii County Council
July 9, 2013
Page 2
Thank you for this opportunity to express my solid support for Duane Kanuha. Although
I cannot be with you all today in person, please consider my testimony in your
deliberations.
Mahalo,
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Russell S. Kokubun, Chairperson
Board of Agriculture, State of Hawaii