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Nomination to Leeward Planning Commission fails after council split
Summary
The council voted down the mayor’s nominee to the Leeward Planning Commission after members raised concerns about experience and representation. The motion to confirm failed on a roll call (4-3, with absences).
The Hawaii County Council declined to confirm Mayor-submitted nominee Chris Toofili to the Leeward Planning Commission on March 7, 2025, after a split roll-call vote.
Council member Kirkowitz moved and Council member Eustace seconded a motion to close the file and confirm the nomination. During debate, Council member Kaguewara said, "I still won't be supporting this nomination at this time," citing lack of prior service on county boards or commissions and concerns about experience and district representation. Vice Chair Onishi and others noted they had met with the nominee and that the mayor had forwarded his name for consideration; one council member said their office offered to support the nominee if confirmed.
The roll call returned four votes in favor — Council members Eustace, Kerkowitz, Onishi and the chair — and three opposed, with two members recorded absent; the motion failed for lack of a majority. The council minutes record the vote as four in favor, three opposed and two absent, and indicate the nomination was not confirmed.
Context: the Leeward Planning Commission makes land-use and planning recommendations that affect development and infrastructure in its district. Several council members stressed the importance of demonstrated land-use experience and balance in commission membership during nomination consideration.
Speakers listed in the transcript for this item include Council member Kirkowitz (mover), Council member Eustace (second), Council member Kaguewara (opposed), Vice Chair Onishi and the Clerk for roll-call.
