HomeMy WebLinkAboutLeeward Planning Commission Fact Sheet May 2026 LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 2026
Purpose: To advise the Mayor, Council and Planning Director in all matters
concerning planning and land use matters; to review and make
recommendations regarding the General Plan, subdivision and
zoning ordinances and other planning rules and regulations; to
establish planning rules and regulations and to conduct public
hearings, with jurisdiction over the area consisting of the judicial
districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, and South
Kona.
Authority: Hawaii County Charter, Section 6-7.5.
Appointment: Mayor with Council confirmation. Five-year staggered
terms.
Full Membership: Seven members. Additionally, Director of Public Works and
Manager of Department of Water Supply, or their designated
representatives, serve as ex-officio members without power to
vote.
Specific Representation: One member from each of the judicial districts of North Kohala,
South Kohala, North Kona and South Kona and three "at-large"
members selected from these districts. Not more than two
members may be appointed from the same judicial district.
Requirements: Not more than four members shall belong to the same political
party.
Meetings: Regular meetings are held at least once a month on the Leeward
side of Hawaii Island. Special meetings can be scheduled as
needed.
Financial Disclosure: Members must file Financial Disclosure within 20 working days
of taking the oath of office. Thereafter, annual disclosures must
be filed on or before January 31. The disclosures are
confidential and will be kept on file by the Board of Ethics.
County Code, Chapter 2, Section 2-91.1.
Reappointment: Following the expiration of a term, no member may be
reappointed for at least two years. However, members
appointed for a term of two years or less shall be eligible to
succeed themselves for an additional full term.
Qualities: Respected by the community as being community-minded and
oriented. Able to focus on the community needs as a whole
without catering to special or self-interest.
Current Members: Name, Term Expiration Date, and Judicial District
AU, Dean (12/31/28)—Chair S. Kohala
NOBORIKAWA, Donna "Kinuko" (12/31/27)—Vice Chair N. Kohala
AYERS, Alexandria "Lexie" (12/31/29) S. Kona
VACANT (12/31/30) At Large-S. Kohala
MAKAIAU, Kele (12/31/30) N. Kona
INABA, Rebecca "Kawehi" (12/31/29) At Large-N. Kona
RODRIGUEZ, Armando (12/31/27) At Large-S. Kona
Secretary/Contact Person: Kareen Medeiros (808) 323-4783
Attorney Assigned: William Jarrett, Deputy Corporation Counsel
*The information on this sheet is condensed. For full information see appropriate
Sections of the County Charter, County Code and/or Hawaii Revised Statutes.