STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1674

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 537

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 537, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Chairperson Of The Hawai'i Paroling Authority

G.M. No. 537

EDMUND HYUN, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the resume and testimony submitted by the nominee and finds Edmund Hyun to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated as Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Edmund Hyun from the Hawaii Paroling Authority; Department of Public Safety; Ho‘omana Pono, LLC; and twenty-four individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hyun's background, experience, and dedication to public service also qualify him for nomination as Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hyun has had a long and distinguished career working in Hawaii's criminal justice system dating back to 1972.  During his career, Mr. Hyun served as a Youth Correctional Officer, Juvenile Parole Administrator, and Court Unit Supervisor for the State of Hawaii.  Following his retirement from the Department of Public Safety in 2013, Mr. Hyun has continued to work in public safety-related positions, including working with the Honolulu Liquor Commission.  In addition, since August 2016, Mr. Hyun has served with distinction as the interim Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority.  During that time, Mr. Hyun has overseen approximately 1,900 parole hearings.  Moreover, under Mr. Hyun's direction, the Paroling Authority has significantly increased the number of in‑person hearings conducted and the scheduling of hearings for inmates previously denied parole.  Accordingly, your Committee finds that Mr. Hyun has the necessary experience, leadership skills, and dedication to public service that will make him a great asset as Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military 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 Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair