BY KIONI DUDLEY – HONOLULU – David Tanoue’s nomination for Honolulu Planning & Permitting Director passed the City Council Zoning Committee last week with a unanimous vote. Tanoue is a holdover from the Hannemann administration. The full Council will vote on his confirmation during the regular Monday November 22, 2010, Council meeting.
Save O’ahu Farmlands Alliance (SOFA), a growing coalition of 40+ organizations and some 50 community activists and farmers is leading the effort to defeat Tanoue’s appointment.
Members of SOFA believe that a clean break with the previous administration is needed, with more transparency in process and a new focus on the long-term ramifications of County planning and permitting — especially when agricultural lands are involved.
Submitted by Kioni Dudley, Oahu resident and spokesperson for this group