HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 034 2019/11/05 2018-2020 REPORT OFT E
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: November 5, 2019 Re: Comm.No. 553
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 4:31 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Planning,to which was referred Communication No. 553, reports as follows:
Communication No. 553, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim on October 18, 2019, submitted for the
Council's review his nominee for the Leeward Planning Commission, Max Edward Newberg of South
Kohala. It noted that Mr. Newberg is a journeyman carpenter employed with the Hawaii Regional
Council of Carpenters and volunteers for various Habitat for Humanity projects. He previously served
on the County Board of Appeals and has been a resident of Hawaii Island for over 20 years.
Appearing before Your Committee was the nominee and Mayor's Executive Assistant Rose Bautista.
Mr. Newberg stated he was honored to be nominated and looked forward to helping serve the
community in any capacity that he could.
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Council Member Herbert"Tim" Richards stated that Mr. Newberg was one of his constituents and that
they had worked together with Habitat for Humanity. He stated that he strongly supported the j
nomination and appreciated Mr. Newberg's willingness to participate and be a part of the Planning
Commission process.
Committee Vice Chair Susan Lee Loy made note that Mr. Newberg has been a consistent fixture on
boards and commissions and could not thank him enough. She acknowledged his skill set,knowledge,
and humility.
Council Member Rebecca Villegas said that she met Mr. Newberg under interesting circumstances
during her campaign. She explained that they had a conversation expressing opposing views,but that
Mr.Newberg was respectful and thoughtful in his discussion. She appreciated his approach and his
concern for the community that he represents.
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Council Member Maile David noted she had known Mr.Newberg for five years, and that he has been
fair and reasonable. She knew that he valued family and Hawaii Island and looked forward to him
serving the Leeward side of the Island on the Commission.
Council Member Karen Eoff stated that Mr. Newberg was a good listener and thinker, and knew that he
would be fair and balanced in his approach on his Commission. She appreciated his willingness to serve
on the Commission, knowing that he was busy and that it would take a great deal of time.
PC Report No.34
PC-34 Page 2 November 5,2019
Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz stated she also appreciated Mr. Newberg's temperament,that he
was no stranger to hard work, and had served the community for years. She said that at the end of the
day everyone wanted to make Hawaii Island a more vibrant place, acknowledging Council Member
Villegas' support and backing of Mr. Newberg's nomination, even though they did not agree on an
issue.
The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a positive recommendation and
passed unanimously with eight"ayes."
Chair Kierkiewicz informed Mr. Newberg that he was not required to appear at the full Council meeting
on November 20, 2019.
Pursuant to Section 6-7.4 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Leeward Planning
Commission shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 553, and
recommends confirmation of the appointment of Max Edward Newberg of South Kohala to the Leeward
Planning 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.. 34
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: NOV 9