CDP showdown Friday in Puna
Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 07:10PM I'm looking forward to Friday's meeting on the Puna CDP at the Pahoa Community Center. It could be one of the more lively meetings of the year in Puna. Or it could be a dud.
What happens also could say a lot about Councilwoman Emily Naeole's chances for re-election. Naeole relented on her opposition to any discussion of her proposed CDP amendment to have this meeting, and if she digs in her heels on the amendments, she could have an angry group of community activists on her hands.
Naeole would do better tomorrow to sit, listen and say little except thank you, that she'll think it over carefully and try to make the best decision for the community -- and then vote for the amendments later if she feels she really has to.But we all know that Councilwoman Naeole is not shy about speaking her mind, and if she really believes that her amendments need to be made now and takes on the no-amendments crowd, things could get ugly.
Strategically -- and hypothetically -- speaking, if Councilwoman Naeole had an inkling that at least five other Council members would vote for, say, the Planning Department's amendments, she could easily drop her amendments secure in the knowledge that any amendments would likely delay the CDP until a new County Council and administration is in office anyway.
Cynical, I know, but it's one way out for Naeole who boxed herself in by staking out her position then scheduling the meeting for input.
Anyway, the meeting starts at 6, and I'll report here what happens in case you can't tear yourself away from Gary Safarik's talk-story at the Leilani Estates Community Center, which starts at 5.

Reader Comments (6)
I've heard that word used before.... I don't like it. I just like to speak my mind so.... please Mr. IRS. Take My Name Off The List.
Why is it when someone speaks their mind now a days they are considered an activist?
I don't take activist as a put-down. There are so few people who actively speak up (publicly), it should be a compliment to be an activist. A bit like being a registered voter and actively voting.
Thank you for ACTIVELY speaking up, And if you "agree with me", Thank You for ACTIVELY voting! Okay, just kidding. Thank you for voting, no matter how you vote! Just stay Active.
Kim
I found it very interesting that there were two officers present.
I wonder who requested them and what for?
How often do armed policemen attend community meetings?