HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-05 Testimony from Shawna McKeownFrom:Shawna Mckeown
To:Planning WPC Testimony; Planning LPC Testimony
Subject:Testimony
Date:Friday, December 5, 2025 1:51:13 PM
Attachments:Testimony.docx
Please see attached.
Thank you and best regards,Shawna D. McKeown
J.D. Candidate, Class of 2027William S. Richardson School of Law
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoamckeowns@hawaii.edu | (808) 785-1704
Testimony - 12/5/2025 3:36 PM
To: County of Hawai‘i Planning Commission;
WPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov;
LPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Subject: Comments on Proposed Rule Amendment Regarding Permit Revocation Authority
Date: December 5, 2025
Name: Shawna McKeown
Community: Puna District
Aloha Chair and Commissioners,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the proposed amendment to the Planning
Commission Rules that would allow the Planning Director to revoke building permits, rather
than limiting this authority to the Commission.
I am not taking a position for or against the amendment at this time. However, I would like to
offer the following considerations to ensure transparency, fairness, and community trust if this
change is adopted:
1. Public Notice and Comment: Require that any proposed revocation by the Director be
publicly noticed and allow for a reasonable period for community input before a final
decision is made.
2. Written Findings: The Director should provide written findings that clearly state the
reasons for revocation, referencing applicable rules and evidence, to maintain
accountability.
3. Appeal Process: Ensure that property owners and affected parties have a clear and
accessible appeal process to the Planning Commission, preserving due process rights.
4. Annual Reporting: Consider requiring the Director to submit an annual report to the
Commission summarizing all permit revocations, including reasons and outcomes, to
maintain oversight.
These safeguards would help balance efficiency with transparency and community involvement.
Thank you for considering these recommendations as part of your deliberations. Mahalo for
your time and commitment to fair planning practices.
Best regards,
Shawna D. McKeown
J.D. Candidate, Class of 2027
William S. Richardson School of Law
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
mckeowns@hawaii.edu | (808) 785-1704