Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 182, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that the nominees will work with compassion and commitment in serving on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee also finds that the nominees have been appointed based upon their credentials, integrity, and a desire to assist the beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust through their participation on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of all the nominees from the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

Testimony in support of Mr. Cho's nomination was submitted by the Lieutenant Governor.

Testimony in support of Mr. Contrades' nomination was submitted by the Kauai Economic Development Board, and the ILWU Local 142.

Your Committee finds that Henry Cho, Sr., Thomas P. Contrades, and Herring K. Kalua are each being appointed to serve a second term as members of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. All three nominees have distinguished themselves over the past four years in performing their duties as Hawaiian Homes Commissioners.

Your Committee notes the following information regarding the nominees.

Henry Cho, Sr., represents the west side of the island of Hawaii, covering an area from South Point to Waimea. Retired from the State Department of Transportation, Mr. Cho recently served as Deputy Managing Director under former Hawaii County Mayor Stephen Yamashiro. Mr. Cho is active in numerous community and civic organizations, and he is also a full-time farmer. During his tenure on the Commission, Henry Cho, Sr., has distinguished himself as a person who is committed to solving problems and getting things done.

Thomas P. Contrades represents the island of Kauai. He has served on a number of government and community boards, including the Kauai Planning Commission. He is an advocate for the beneficiaries he serves, and brings a strong understanding of planning and land use issues to the deliberations of the Commission.

Herring K. Kalua represents the east side of the island of Hawaii, which includes the major homestead communities of Keaukaha, Panaewa, and Makuu. Born and raised in Keaukaha, Herring K. Kalua brings the homesteaders’ perspective to the Commission. Although his job as District Highway Construction Maintenance Supervisor demands much of his time, he is always available to homesteaders and other beneficiaries who want to bring issues or concerns to the attention of the Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

In order to meet the challenges of the Hawaiian Home Lands program that lie ahead, the Hawaiian Homes Commission will need commissioners who can work together, and who have the best interests of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust and its beneficiaries as their number one priority. Your Committee believes that Henry Cho, Sr., Thomas P. Contrades, and Herring K. Kalua are such individuals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.