STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1698

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 762

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. 762, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 762

HOKULANI HOLT-PADILLA, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Hokulani Holt-Padilla 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 Hokulani Holt-Padilla from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, and five individuals.

     Ms. Holt-Padilla is currently the Director of Ka Hikina O Ka Lā and Coordinator of Hawai‘i Papa O Ke Ao at the University of Hawaii Maui College.  Ms. Holt-Padilla is also the Kumu Hula of Pā‘ū O Hi‘iaka, where she has taught traditional and contemporary hula, as well as Hawaiian history, culture, and language, since 1976.  She has also been a Lecturer in Hawaiian language and culture at the University of Hawaii Maui College since 1992.  Ms. Holt-Padilla has held a number of other notable positions in the community, including Cultural Programs Director at Maui Arts & Cultural Center from 2001 to 2015, Culture and Education Manager at Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission from 1997 to 2001, and Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission member since 2013.  Ms. Holt-Padilla is involved in numerous community associations, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and Human Relations in Organizations from the University of Hawaii.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Holt-Padilla's experience, commitment to public service, proven leadership, and expertise in Hawaiian culture also qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission in the seat reserved for a representative recommended by Native Hawaiian organizations.  Testifiers commented that the nominee brings to the Commission a great range and depth of experience and that during her time on the Commission, Ms. Holt-Padilla has been a leader on guiding and expanding the cultural use of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve and has long been involved in the protection and restoration of Kaho‘olawe.  Testifiers also noted the nominee's immense contributions to the Hawaiian community and the general public throughout her long career.  Ms. Holt-Padilla indicated in her personal statement her commitment to Kaho‘olawe and belief that Kaho‘olawe as a Hawaiian cultural and educational site is critical to the health and welfare of the Hawaiian people.  Ms. Holt-Padilla also noted her long involvement in Kaho‘olawe since 1980 and her desire to continue to serve on the Commission because she understands there is still much work to do. 

     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