STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3407

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 561, 562

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 561 and 562, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Island Burial Council, Island of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 561	CLIFFORD KAPONO, for a term to expire 06-30-2018; and
G.M. No. 562	CLIFFORD KAPONO, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Clifford Kapono for service on the Island Burial Council, Island of Hawai‘i.

Your Committee received testimony in support of either the nomination for the appointment or reappointment of Clifford Kapono, or both, from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Ho‘omana Pono, LLC; and five individuals.

Mr. Kapono has genealogical ties to Kohala and has lived most of his life in Hāmākua on Moku o Keawe on the island of Hawai‘i. While Mr. Kapono's educational and professional background is in business, he has been focused on Native Hawaiian public health issues, specifically issues affecting the Keaukaha and other island of Hawai‘i communities. Mr. Kapono has committed much of his time to revitalizing many Native Hawaiian practices, such as navigation, as one of the early members of the Hōkūle‘a crew members in 1978. He is an advocate for the restoration of Kaho‘olawe and has been a member of the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana since 1980. Mr. Kapono has been an active participant in the Native Hawaiian community by educating young Hawaiians in math and science at Keaukaha Community Outreach, Kamehameha Schools Kea‘au Campus, New Century Connections Public Charter School, and Hālau Lōkahi Public Charter School. He is now concentrating his efforts on protecting Native Hawaiian burials and archaeological resources. Your Committee believes that Mr. Kapono has dedicated much of his efforts to the Native Hawaiian community and the preservation of Native Hawaiian practices and his expertise in a variety of fields will provide valuable insights to the Island Burial Council.

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

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MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair