HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 017 2019/04/09 2018-2020 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: April 9, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 194
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 1:02 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 194, reports as follows:
Communication No. 194, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim on March 20, 2019, submitted for the
Council's review and requesting a favorable confirmation of his nominee, David Huerta of Kailua-Kona,
to the Kona Community Development Action Committee. Mr. Huerta is currently a project manager for
national construction management service company Sevan Multi Site Solutions, with previous
experience in commercial and residential construction as a project with Kohanaiki Development, Ryan
Associates, and Tinguely Development in Kailua-Kona. Further, Mr. Huerta is both a United States
Marine Corps and United States Army Reserve veteran, with degrees in Business Administration from
Southern Oregon State University and Engineering Technology from Diablo Valley College. A resident
of Hawai`i for 15 years, Mr. Huerta volunteers with Ironman World Championship and Habitat for
Humanity, in addition to assisting with various other fundraisers in the community.
Mr. Huerta appeared before the Council via videoconference from the West Hawai`i Civic Center
Council Chambers in Kona while Executive Assistant Rose Bautista introduced him in Hilo. Mr. Huerta
expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve and provide his vision as part of the Committee.
Council Member Karen Eoff thanked Mr. Huerta for his willingness to serve.
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz noted that Mr. Huerta had made a statement that he supported the
growth of Kona and wanted him to elaborate. He explained that there are often challenges with
development and that guidelines are needed to assist in addressing them. He stated he supported the
County's vision with development, believed in the use of and need to create new laws and procedures,
and ensure that the environment is protected.
Council Member Rebecca Villegas wanted to know Mr. Huerta's thoughts on the current state of
infrastructure in conjunction with the development in Kona. Mr. Huerta stated that developments must
consider needs from, "water drop, to pipe, to site," and that it is critical to consider the needs of any new
site fully and make sure they do not negatively impact other sites or developments. He said that it was
important county personnel are operating within the guidelines of the Community Development Plan
and focus on reducing cars and increasing walking and bicycle use.
Planning Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz notified Mr. Huerta that he was not required to appear at the full
Council meeting on April 24, 2019.
PC Report No. 17
PC-17 Page 2 April 9,2019
Pursuant to Article 3, Section 16-5(a) of the Hawai`i County Code,the Community Development Plan
Action Committees shall consist of nine members, and shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by
the Council.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 194, and
recommends confirmation of the appointment of David Huerta to the Kona Community Development
Action Committee.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
EOFF X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
LEE LOY X
POINDEXTER X ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: 17
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: APR 2 4 2019