DeGray Vanderbilt told council members that his withdrawal had “nothing to do with any of the opposition testimony” he faced from the Molokai Chamber of Commerce, Buck Joiner, and a Moloka’i real estate agent.

“I don’t want this issue to compromise the planning commission going forward,” he told council members. “I’ve tried my best to serve Molokai.”

Vanderbilt was attacked on the issue of residency by real estate and Chamber opponents of Vanderbilt who claimed he was anti-business and “confrontational”.

The Maui County Clerk says that Vanderbilt has been a Molokai registered voter since 1984.  Vanderbilt has served as Chair of the Moloka’i Planning Commission previously.

County Council committee members voted 5-2 to recommend approving Vanderbilt’s nomination, with Council Members Bob Carroll and Mike White opposed.  Before his appointment could come up for the full Council vote, Vanderbilt withdrew.