STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1658

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 767

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 767, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Island Burial Council, Island of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 767

ELDON PATE-KAHAKALAU, for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Eldon Pate-Kahakalau to possess the requisite commitment, sincerity, dedication, and qualifications to be nominated to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Hawaii. 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this nominee from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Aukahi, and three individuals.

     Mr. Pate-Kahakalau earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  He went on to earn his teaching license at the Halau Wanana Indigenous Center for Higher Learning.  Mr. Pate-Kahakalau is the Co-Founder and Instructor at Kanu O Ka Aina New Century Public Charter School where he teaches Hawaiian language, history, and culture.  He also serves as the Director of the Waipio Valley Taro Patch Immersion program.   Before opening the charter school, Mr. Pate-Kahakalau held a number of positions teaching Hawaiian studies.  He is also involved in numerous community organizations, including Aha Kane Moku o Keawe, Pa Ku‘i A Holo, Pu‘ukohola Council of Chiefs, and Onipa‘a Na Hui Kalo.

Mr. Pate-Kahakalau previously served on the Hawaii Island Burial Council as Chairperson where he successfully handled many difficult and complex cases and has served as an interim member on the Council for the past six months.  Mr. Pate-Kahakalau's exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience as a Hawaiian educator and cultural practitioner will be a significant asset to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs 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 Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA, Chair