STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3774

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 672, 722

 

 

 

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. 672 and 722, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Island Burial Council, Island of Hawai'i

 

G.M. No. 672

ELDON PATE-KAHAKALAU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020; and

 

G.M. No. 722

KALENA BLAKEMORE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Eldon Pate-Kahakalau and Kalena Blakemore for service on the Island Burial Council, Island of Hawaii.

 

ELDON PATE-KAHAKALAU

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Eldon Pate-Kahakalau from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and one member of the Hawaii County Council.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Pate-Kahakalau's experience in Hawaiian culture, history, and education and his knowledge in laws relating to the treatment of iwi kupuna qualify him to be appointed to the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Pate-Kahakalau is the co-founder and an instructor of Kanu O Ka Āina Charter School and has years of experience as an educator of Hawaiian studies.  Mr. Pate-Kahakalau is an active participant in community services as a co-founder and leader of two organizations that provide cultural and spiritual immersion experiences to Hawaiian males.  Mr. Pate-Kahakalau previously served as a member and Chair of the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii from 1996 to 2004 and again from 2012 to 2017.  He has contributed to the community by participating in Waipio Valley cultural renewal projects and in Aha Kāne and Hookuikahi at Puukoholā National Park.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Pate-Kahakalau is dedicated to preserving the Hawaiian language, history, and culture by educating future generations and will be a great asset for the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.

 

KALENA BLAKEMORE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kalena Blakemore from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Blakemore's experience in land management and dedication to cultural and natural resources qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Blakemore has genealogical ties to Puna (Olaa), Hilo (Keaukaha), and Kohala (Kokoiki).  Ms. Blakemore previously served on the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii from 2013 to 2017.  She is currently a Land Management Specialist at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs where she is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a comprehensive management plan for Wao Kele o Puna, including other relevant work with the conservation of lands.  Prior to her experience as a Land Management Specialist, Ms. Blakemore worked as an archaeologist in cultural resources management at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  During her time at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Ms. Blakemore identified inadvertent burials and implemented protective protocols, inventoried caves, and monitored compliance with sections 110 and 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Blakemore's experience with land preservation and conservation and dealing with burial sites will make her a great addition to the Island Burial Council for the island of Hawaii.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair