Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 272, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and information submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that Gerald L. De Mello has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Testimony in support of the nomination was received from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, ILWU Local 142, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Okahara & Associates, Inc., Ala Kai Realty, Inc., William L. Moore Planning, four members of the University of Hawaii administration, and twelve individuals. `Ilio`ulaokalani Coalition and two individuals submitted testimony in opposition.

Gerald L. De Mello is Director of University Relations, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and has held various academic and administrative positions in the university system since 1969. He also served as Governor's Liaison Office for the Island of Hawaii from 1987 to 1990. Mr. De Mello is a graduate of Eastern Washington State University and holds a master's degree from the University of Hawaii Manoa. He is a member of the Hawaii Sociological Association, Hawaii Historical Society, Oral History Center, and Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, among others. Mr. De Mello is active in the Downtown Hilo Association, several Chambers of Commerce, and Hospice Hawaii Board.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.