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. 306, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that each of the nominees has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of each nominee from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Geraldine K. Bell has served on the Council for the past four years in a conscientious and diligent manner as vice chair and a large landowner representative. She is the superintendent for Puuhonua o Honaunau and Kaloko-Honakohau National Parks and has been responsible for overseeing the reinterment of a number of ancestral remains at Honaunau. Ms. Bell has been active for many years in matters relating to the preservation and protection of historic properties and the Hawaiian culture.

Ruby P. McDonald is being nominated as a regional representative for Kona. She is employed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, operating their Kona Office. Her family has deep roots in Kona and her knowledge of the area is very respected.

Eli K. Nahulu previously served on the Council, and did so in a conscientious and diligent manner as a large landowner representative. He is employed by Kamehameha Schools, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate.

Your Committee finds that all nominees have been appointed based upon their credentials, integrity, and a desire to improve Maui's health planning through their service on the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.

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.