The Kauaʻi County Council unanimously approved Hanapēpē native Kuuleialoha Santos to fill a vacant environmental seat on the Planning Commission.
The appointment was approved during the council’s meeting on Wednesday. It took effect immediately and will run through the end of the term on Dec. 31, 2028.
Santos, vice president and owner of Unlimited Construction Services, was nominated for the seat earlier this year by Mayor Derek Kawakami.
The Kauaʻi County Charter requires County Council approval of mayoral nominees to key boards and commissions.
On March 30, the council reviewed Santosʻ nomination, which included public testimony and discussion of her qualifications and perspectives, with some community members voicing strong support and highlighting her experience, while others voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The seven-person Planning Commission now has five members, with Santos joining, leaving two seats vacant, according to the County website.
The Planning Commission is responsible for overseeing land use decisions, including zoning, development permits and long-range planning policies that shape growth and conservation across Kauaʻi.
