STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1699

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 679

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 679, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

 

G.M. No. 679

CHRISTOPHER BAKER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Christopher Baker to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for reappointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Christopher Baker from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani, and eleven individuals.

 

     Dr. Christopher Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Language, Masters of Arts in Linguistics, and Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, where he has been an Instructor of Hawaiian since 2002, and was a Lecturer in Hawaiian from 1996 to 2002.  Additionally, Dr. Baker has served in a number of community positions, including President of the Halele‘a Arts Foundation since 2012, member of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission since 2011, member of Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana since 1993, and since 2003 has been the leader of the Makahiki ceremony on Kaho‘olawe.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Baker's experience, commitment to public service, and proven leadership underscore his qualifications to be nominated for reappointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.  Testifiers commented that the nominee brings to the Commission an expertise in Hawaiian language and Hawaiian cultural traditions and that during his time on the Commission Dr. Baker has been a leader on guiding and expanding the cultural use of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve and places great emphasis on ensuring safe and meaningful access to and from Kaho‘olawe.  Dr. Baker indicates in his personal statement his commitment to the people of Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, and ensuring in his position as Commissioner to act always for the benefit of Kaho‘olawe.  Dr. Baker also noted his ability to communicate the needs of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and Protect Kaho‘olawe Ohana.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Baker has been reappointed to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to the seat designated for a member of Protect Kaho‘olawe Ohana.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair