STAND. COM. REP. NO. 445

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 517

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 517, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources

G.M. No. 517

WILLIAM JOHNSON AILA, JR., for a term to expire December 31, 2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds William Johnson Aila, Jr., to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated as Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of William J. Aila, Jr., from Colleen Hanabusa, United States Representative, Hawai‘i, First District; Allen Tom, Regional Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Office of the Governor of Hawaii; three state agencies; forty-nine private entities; and one hundred sixty-four private individuals.

     William Johnson Aila, Jr., is a lifelong resident of the Waianae Coast of the Island of Oahu, where he has dedicated countless hours of his time to community service.  Mr. Aila has served on numerous boards, councils, and advisory groups over the last twenty years, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Council Hawaii Community Development Authority, United States Army Ordinance Reef Advisory Committee, Advisory Group to United States Army Garrison Hawaii, Kaena Point Advisory Group, Leeward Community College Waianae Campus Advisory Board, Waianae Weed and Seed Task Force, Waianae Coast Alternative Development Corporation, Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Lualualei Ahupua‘a Council, Lokahi A Lanakila O Waianae, Mohala I Ka Wai, Ukani Po Advisory Council, and numerous others. 

     Mr. Aila's service and community activities have included various activities that put him in touch with community members, resource users, and diverse industries in our State.  His generosity and volunteerism is well-known, particularly his efforts to address the homeless crisis on the Leeward Coast of Oahu.  His community activities demonstrate a love for the natural, cultural, and historical resources of Hawaii.

     In his professional capacity, Mr. Aila currently serves as the Interim Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and most recently served as Harbormaster of the Waianae Small Boat Harbor for twenty-three years.  As Interim Director he has assumed responsibilities for issues that he is well qualified to address:  cultural and historical resources, conservation and coastal lands, iwi kupuna, native and endangered species, and public parks.  As former Harbormaster, Mr. Aila already has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the protection and management issues related to aquatic resources, boating and ocean recreation, and water resources. 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Aila worked with federal partners to establish the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.  The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council has guided the development of the Monument over the last ten years, and Mr. Aila has been a member of the Council. As a member, Mr. Aila established a process for Native Hawaiian cultural input in the guidance and management of the Monument.  This cultural input helped the Monument achieve United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognition as a World Heritage site.  Mr. Aila's essential role in the guidance of the Monument demonstrates his steadfastness and commitment.

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Aila has the unanimous respect and trust of the groups with which he has worked, and that his cautious, respectful approach can assist the Department in fulfilling its mandates.  As one testifier noted, Mr. Aila "is comfortable dealing with western trained scientists and indigenous native Hawaiian cultural practitioners — this unique skill set will make him an exceptional manager of one of the State of Hawaii's largest departments."  In addition, Mr. Aila talks and listens to diverse groups and establishes new partnerships.  As a result, he is well-suited to address the myriad problems and responsibilities facing the Department. 

     Your Committee further finds that the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources faces challenges that are not limited to the inadequacy of available resources needed to fulfill the Department of Land and Natural Resources' mission.  The Chairperson must fulfill a diverse mission to "enhance, protect, conserve and manage Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural and historic resources held in public trust for current and future generations of visitors and the people of Hawaii nei in partnership with others from the public and private sectors."  Mr. Aila works cooperatively, and in this fiscal climate, cooperation is needed.  In addition, testimony indicates that Mr. Aila does not shy away from making tough decisions.  This trait is critical for the leader of a Department facing significant challenges.

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Aila has the knowledge, expertise, and abilities befitting of the important position of Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and that his commendable record of public service and aforementioned characteristics qualify him for that position.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, 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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, and Housing,

____________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair