HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 018 2019/04/09 2018-2020 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: April 9, 2019 Re: Comm.No. 195
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. 195, reports as follows:
Communication No. 195, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim on March 20, 2019, submitted for the
Council's review and requesting a favorable confirmation of his nominee, Kilohana Hirano, to the
Hawai`i County Cultural Resources Commission. It explained that Mr. Hirano currently serves in the
capacity of Community Engagement and Resources Regional Director of Kamehameha Schools, where
he also graduated from. Mr. Hirano holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Studies from the University of
Hawai`i at Hilo. Mr. Hirano previously served in the capacities of Hawaiian Language and Culture
teacher, Hawaiian Culture/Curriculum Specialist, among others within the Kamehameha Schools.
Mr. Hirano was born and raised on the Big Island and volunteers with various organizations including
the Rotary Club of South Hilo, Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawaiian Civic Club of
Laupahoehoe, and Hale 0 Na Ali`i 0 Hawai`i, Halau 0 Kalakaua.
Mr. Hirano appeared before the Council with Executive Assistant Rose Bautista. Mr. Hirano shared that
he had family roots in both Laupahoehoe and Ka`u and was a cultural practitioner and advisor of hula.
He explained that he wanted to use life experiences around culture as a resource to benefit keiki.
Committee Vice Chair Sue L. K. Lee Loy stated that Mr. Hirano was the perfect fit for this Commission,
which has had challenges fmding individuals with this skill set after being created through a County
Charter amendment a few years ago. Vice Chair Lee Loy noted the importance of the Committee as it
aids in the preservation of culturally sensitive areas through the administration or oversight of historic
preservation responsibilities. Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder thanked Mr. Hirano and
Committee Chair Ashely Kierkiewicz stated she echoed the sentiment of her fellow colleagues and the
importance of bringing culture to the forefront of development, and not just make decisions based on
"dollars and cents."
Planning Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz notified Mr. Hirano that he was not required to appear at the full
Council meeting on April 24, 2019.
Pursuant to Article 44, Section 2-226 of the Hawai`i County Code, the Hawai`i County Cultural
Resources Commission shall consist of nine members, and shall be appointed by the Mayor and
approved by the Council.
PC Report No. 18
PC-18 Page 2 April 9,2019
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 195, and
recommends confirmation of the appointment of Kilohana Hirano to the Hawai`i County Cultural
Resources Commission.
ck
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.: 18
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: APR 2 4 2019