HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0327.013 2012-2014 MEHEULA DEVENS LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
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William ehcula' Vladimir P.Owens Kcani Alapa Natasha I.A Baldauf David F.Fasi or C,aimrl
June 25, 2013
The Honorable J. Yoshimoto C5
Council Chair ``' n
Hawaii County Council rS -i
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402/2402 -4
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 ,n
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Re: Duane Kanuha-County Planning Director QQ
Dear Chairman Yoshimoto:
I am writing this letter in full support of Mr. Duane Kanuha's appointment to the
County Planning Director's position.
I am a partner with the law firm of Meheula& Devens, LLP, and also serve as
general outside counsel for the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers ("SHOPO").
I had the honor and pleasure of previously serving with Duane on the State Land Use
Commission("LUC") as a commissioner. I found Duane to be extremely intelligent,
hardworking, fair minded, humble, and clearly someone who took a great deal of pride in
doing the job right. During my tenure on the LUC, I quickly recognized Duane as a leader
who had extensive knowledge in the area of land use and development where he has
dedicated much of his professional career. He was, without question, a valuable and
significant contributing member on the commission and well respected by his fellow
commissioners as evidenced by his election to serve as the chairperson from 2008 to 2009.
What I admired most about Duane was his sense of balance and fair play when it
Came to making decisions. He always wanted to make sure he understood the applicable law,
rules and regulations and had all the relevant facts in hand before proceeding forward on any
matter. At the same time, he displayed compassion for the little guy and wanted to know
what concerns the public may have before making a decision. He was also not afraid to ask
the tough questions of a project developer, especially when it came to representations made
by a developer and how a project could potentially impact the community.
Duane will no doubt bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Planning
Director's position, which is a position he held in 1988-1990. I certainly learned a lot from
this son of Hawaii and am proud to call him a friend.
Comm.No, 3 27' x3
Ref.To: P/Co/enc.*/ ,
Ref.Date, an- 1 0 7(Yf3 ,
The Honorable J. Yoshimoto
Council Chair
6/25/13
Page Two
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Mr. Kanuha's appointment and I hope
he will receive the Council's favorable consideration.
Resp= ully : .
'14
VLADIMIR DEVENS