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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 036 2019/11/19 2018-2020 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: November 19, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 612 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 9:09 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 612, reports as follows: Communication No. 612, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim on October 31, 2019, submitted for the Council's review his nominee for the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency(BDHRA), Ross Birch of Council District 1. The communication noted that Mr. Birch is the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Executive Director who has been a resident of Hawaii for approximately 30 years. He has been active in many community organizations, including the Hawaii Island United Way, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii, and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Appearing before Your Committee was the nominee, and via videoconference from Hilo, Mayor's Executive Assistant Rose Bautista to introduce him. Mr. Birch expressed his appreciation for the Mayor's nomination. He noted that Banyan Drive is a critical component for Hawaii Island's tourism, and that he was appreciative to have this opportunity to aid in leading the Redevelopment Agency in the right direction. Committee Vice Chair Susan Lee Loy stated that Mr. Birch was a phenomenal fit for"the only resort area in East Hawai`i," and looked forward to the public and private partnerships that she knew Mr. Birch would bring. She mentioned that there was a clear"hiccup" between the state and the ground leases of the area, and urged Mr. Birch to lend all of his networking capabilities to help in"synthesizing"the two through his position on the Redevelopment Agency. She looked forward to his contributions to stand up and move forward Banyan Drive as an economic generator for Hawaii Island's tourism industry. Council Member Rebecca Villegas thanked Mr. Birch for his willingness to serve and made note that he, "must have a big hat rack for all the hats,"he wears, as he serves in many capacities on behalf of Hawaii Island. Council Chair Aaron Chung wanted to echo the sentiments of his colleagues; noting that Mr. Birch is a not only a valuable asset for the tourism industry, but a great advocate for the things he believes in. He pointed out that Banyan Drive could be a significant"economic engine" for East Hawaii and asked that Mr. Birch do his best to develop it. Council Member Valerie Poindexter thanked Mr. Birch, and also wanted to give "special thanks"to Mr. Birch's wife, Tammy, for allowing him to serve Hawaii Island in so many different capacities. PC Report No. 36 3 t PC-36 Page 2 November 19,2019 Council Member Maile David expressed her appreciation that Mr. Birch agreed to take on this position. She stated she believed that Hilo should, and would be well-deserved, a tourist hub, and looked forward to his energy and input to make this happen. Council Member Karen Eoff thanked Mr. Birch for stepping up and adding another commitment to his 3 "full plate," noting that she appreciated his sensitivity. r Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz quoted, "if you want something done, ask a busy person," and stated that Mr. Birch is clearly someone who knew how to get things done, and that his commitment and service to the island knew no bounds. She sought clarification from Ms. Bautista as to who Mr. Birch was replacing. The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a positive recommendation and passed unanimously with eight"ayes." Planning Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz notified Mr. Birch that he was not required to appear at the full Council meeting on December 4, 2019. 3 3 Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 53, and via Resolution No. 481-16, the Council established the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency, which shall consist of five members, appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of Council. Pursuant to Hawaii County Code Section 2-35.1, the Planning Department is the lead agency enabling the County to directly exercise its powers as provided for in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 53, Parts I and 11, and shall delegate the responsibilities of the Hawaii redevelopment agency to the appropriate departments, commissions, and agencies to ensure that the procedures of compliance are adhered to. Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 612, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Ross Birch to the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency. a a i ck AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X j DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING 3 s EOFF X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X i LEE LOY X j POINDEXTER x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR RICIIARDS x PC REPORT NO.: 36 vILLEGAS x ADOPTED: C 0 4 2019 I i I