The newest appointee to the Leeward Planning Commission was met with some concern by Hawai‘i County Council, but not because of her fitness for the position. It is because she is the mother of a council member.
During the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Council Chair Holeka Inaba recused himself from voting on the confirmation of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the commission seat, disclosing that she is his mother.
Mayor Kimo Alameda asked Kawehi Inaba to apply for the open seat on the seven-member Leeward Planning Commission, a body of community volunteers that advises on planning and land use matters within the districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona and South Kona.
Kawehi Inaba was confirmed, with council members Michelle Galimba, Jenn Kagiwada and Heather Kimball opposing the appointment…