Communication No. 2018-05- Joel Tan Testimony

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From: Joel Tan Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 12:05 PM To: Yee, Michael; Ley, Rachelle Subject: Kona CDP Testimony Dear Kona CDP Action Committee: My name is Joel Tan and for the past two years I've served as the Executive Director of Kalani Honua Retreat Center on the Red Road in Pahoa. Kalanihonua started as a grassroots effort forty-three years ago and civic engagement is at the heart of who we are. I'm writing to strongly encourage expanding access and opportunities for communities by hosting the CDP meetings during evening and weekends. Also important is to diversify the CDP meeting venues so that the meetings aren't only held at the Civic Center but at nearby and familiar community facilities. In light of the divisiveness happening in the larger world and issues of gentrification facing our island now, it is critical that our island's diverse communities are empowered to participate in local government process. Effective community planning means taking input from as many different kinds of voices in our community to weigh in on their present and future. It is often working families that aren't able to participate in weekday and afternoon meetings because they're working one sometimes more jobs to survive. Please empower our Hawai'i Island community further by expanding access to participate in Development Planning to our "silent majority." I'm happy to address any questions or concerns. Mahalo, JBT -- Joël B. Tan Conductor of Clarity + Joy aka Executive Director | Kalani Honua, Inc. 808 [redacted]x[redacted] | kalani.com 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Road | Pahoa, HI | 96778 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Kalani Honua, Inc., A 501(c)(3) non-profit retreat center on Hawaii Island. Communication No. 2018-05