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Commission discusses vacancies, in‑person meetings and pending SMA minor rule changes
Summary
Staff reported no completed Lanai permits in the reporting period. Commissioners discussed two pending Island appointments, the Independent Nominations Board timeline, and debated resuming in‑person or hybrid meetings while staff noted mayoral constraints on overnight travel. The Commission also heard that SMA minor permit rule amendments — routing more minors to the Commission — are pending mayoral approval.
Planning Program Administrator Danny Dias reported there were no completed Lānaʻi permit actions in the March–May reporting period. Chair Gima summarized the status of two prospective Lānaʻi nominees: the Independent Nominations Board has interviewed the applicants but, because of timing rules, responsibility for forwarding nominations now rests with the Mayor’s Office; the Mayor said he will contact the two residents and intends to forward them to County Council for confirmation, with a possible July 1 start if approved. Several commissioners noted their upcoming 2027 term expirations and encouraged recruitment and timely applications to meet Independent Nominations Board deadlines.
Commissioners also debated resuming in‑person or hybrid meetings. Planning staff said the Director is open to in‑person meetings but prefers not to have staff stay overnight for budget and logistical reasons; Commissioners argued in favor of hybrid or at least periodic in‑person sessions to improve deliberation, relationship building with staff, and public access on Lānaʻi. Dias said SMA minor permit rule changes — which would require the Commission to review SMA minor permits in addition to exemptions and majors — have been drafted and submitted for mayoral approval; in the meantime, staff agreed to bring minors to the Commission if they arise.
