Concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and the implications of a significant development project were at the forefront of a recent government meeting. During the session, it was revealed that Zendo Kern, a key figure associated with the project, had been \"walled off\" from discussions and decisions related to the KV3 project, as confirmed by Hawaii County's legal counsel under oath. This disclosure raised alarms among council members and community stakeholders, prompting discussions about the integrity of the development process.

One council member emphasized that the responsibility for addressing community concerns—such as sewage, water, drainage, traffic, and healthcare—should rest with the developers, not the council. They argued against extending the timeline for resolving these issues, stating that the project should only be considered once a comprehensive plan is presented by the developers. The member also highlighted the project's location in a floodplain, asserting that regardless of legal determinations, the environmental risks remain significant.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the project's affordability, with critics pointing out that the proposed housing would be adjacent to multimillion-dollar homes and far from being accessible to low-income residents. The lack of clarity from developers regarding what constitutes \"affordable\" housing further fueled skepticism.

The meeting also featured testimony from local residents, including Sydney McMichael, who expressed deep concerns about the historical and archaeological implications of the development. McMichael, a descendant of the area's original inhabitants, recounted the destruction of burial sites and called for updated archaeological studies to protect the cultural heritage of the land. She emphasized the need for respectful consideration of ancestral remains and the importance of involving lineal descendants in discussions about the land's future.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the community remains divided on the KV3 project, with significant concerns about environmental, cultural, and social impacts still unresolved. The council's next steps will be closely watched as stakeholders continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in the development process.