HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0536.003 2014-2016P/Pe
Member 20, 2015
CLERK
Written Testimony- December 1, 2015 Planning Committee Meeting
Regarding Communication 536 (Wille)
Testimony on my own behalf ��(� �� 3 PIN 3: 56
Aloha Chair (lagan and Members of the Planning Committee
I am a 2'h year member of the South Kohala Community Development Committee (SKCDPAC).
My message is in support of the continuing evaluation and discussion of the importance of
community development plan action committees in the County's organizational structure. Emphasis
is specifically focused on the Planning Department's determination to schedule our general
meetings bi-monthly.
My comments are those of my own. I will forward my message to members of the SKCDPAC and
Planning Department prior to submittal to your committee. Please understand that my comments
are intended to be primarily used for the purpose of discussion. They should not be construed as a
personal criticism of Planning Director Duane Kanuha or Planning Department staff. it is important
that we all work together in common purpose.
The history of the creation of the SKCDPAC includes the drafting of a community development plan
by recognized and respected community leaders including many hours of time and energy
contributed over a period of approximately 3 years. It's important to me to implement their vision of
community participation in the political decision making process.
It is mutually important that CDP Action Committees and County staff work in harmony to create a
long-term grassroots forum process that encourages community participation in dealing with both
current and long- term decision making. We are all in this together. Politicians, department heads,
and community leaders change over time. It is critical that we create a well -defined consistently
implemented process.
On a personal note, I signed up for my responsibility as an Action Committee member to be of
service to my community and take my volunteer job seriously. This requires attending numerous
community and individual meetings with agency representatives, reviewing Planning Department
applications and having a thorough understanding of other issues facing my community. Hopefully,
my time and energy help make a contribution to playing a role in finding solutions to the many
challenges that we all face.
My role as selected public official is advisory in nature. It is an honor for me to have been selected
as a member of the SKCDPAC. Saying this, I believe that it is important for me to be recognized as
a representative of my community and not just a Planning Department volunteer. I feel that more
discussion is needed between the Planning Department and SKCDPAC members regarding
scheduling of general meetings for the coming months.
I understand the need of the Planning Department for their professional staff to have adequate time
to work on the General Plan and other major projects feeling that much of our work can be done at
the sub -committee level. In my opinion, however, this decision creates an obstacle to the continued
growth and development of the SKCDPAC.
We currently have six members with three vacancies making it problematic, at times, to produce a
quorum. This includes two recently appointed members. Organizationally, more sub -committees
need to be developed. Our numbers and a lack of new applications for Committee membership
make this unlikely. Sub -committees not only require time for meetings, but more important, time to
do individual research and adequately prepare for discussion. We need improved County support
in filling current vacancies and a plan to fill future ones. 3
eom�r>I
. Q. 53G
Ref. To: PI PL
Ref. Date DEC 01 02 15
As a Committee member, I am currently working closely with Council Member Wille and the
Planning Department in providing community input regarding the County General Plan
update/revision. Community involvement is playing a crucial role in developing a plan that includes
our respective community's values and vision. The plan, as I understand it, is for the Action
Committee to subsequently update/revise our CDP and CIP priority list. This will require adequate
staff support.
On a related note, Council member Wille has brought up the limitations placed on Action
Committees relating to the Sunshine Law. I recognize it is important to follow the law. However,
imposing restrictions on an advisory group such as an Action Committee can be frustrating. In the
last resort, we are not decision makers. I do not see a matter of limiting the number of people going
to a community forum to just observe and learn about issues a problem. We know that those
issues can not be discussed between members outside of the meeting process. This barrier can be
an obstacle to being informed and effectively participating in the formal discussion at Action
Committee meetings.
In previous written testimony to the Planning Director and subsequent distribution to the Council
regarding the General Plan, I recommended "consideration" of transferring the County support of
Action Committees to a newly formed Department or Division of Community Relations. This
reorganization likely would require an HR study as well as much discussion by the Council and
Administration to determine staffing numbers, cost, and the possibility of reallocation of staff. I offer
my past knowledge and professional experience in HR and organizational change in this process.
In Summary:
My comments are not intended to be of a personal nature relating to the Planning Department. In
my opinion, Duane Kanuha and staff continue to show a willingness to listen to my input. It is
important that all us work together for the community.
The decision to schedule Action Committee meetings bi-monthly for a yet undetermined amount of
time is an indication that the Planning Department does not have adequate staffing to support
Action Committees including those already in place and others in the development stage.
County support for recruiting and filling vacancies on our committee has been less than par. The
development of SKCDPAC sub-committees is difficult because of a shortage of members.
Improved County staff support in recruitment is needed.
The County will rely on Action Committees for further input relating to the General Plan and
subsequent revision and updates of CDP's and CIP priority lists. This requires adequate staff
support.
Continued discussion is needed to determine County analysis and communication with the State in
relationship to Sunshine Law restrictions and allowing more flexibility for advisory" Action
Committees to attend community sponsored discussion meetings.
Community involvement in the democratic process, including the development of CDP Action
Committees, is essential regarding current issues and especially long-term challenges. This
requires both current and future County Councils and County Administrations to place priority in
doing what is necessary to improve and develop Action Committees. The creation of an Office of
Community Relations is worth exploring and may play an important role in carrying out this mission.
Joel Cohen
Member of the South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee.
cc: John Mueller
cc: Duane Kanuha