STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2230

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 570, 571, 572

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 570, 571, and 572, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 570	ROBERT WESTERMAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2022;
G.M. No. 571	ALAPAKI NAHALE-A, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 572	KELLI ACOPAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Robert Westerman, Alapaki Nahale-a, and Kelli Acopan for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i.

ROBERT WESTERMAN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert Westerman from the Hawaii State Fire Council, Maui Fire Council, Kaua‘i Fire Department, and ten individuals.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Westerman is presently retired, but previously served as the Fire Chief for the County of Kauai for over twelve years. Prior to serving as Fire Chief for the County of Kauai, Mr. Westerman served as the Fire Chief for the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He is an active member of the community, having served as a Board Member for Kauai United Way since 2009, including as President, Vice President, and on the Treasure Committee. In his personal statement, Mr. Westerman indicated that his previous work experiences as a Fire Chief and in the United States Air Force have provided him with opportunities to make difficult decisions through budget and personnel management and to lead with fairness and strength. Therefore, your Committee finds that Mr. Westerman's leadership abilities, as well as his willingness to serve, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i.

ALAPAKI NAHALE-A

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alapaki Nahale-a from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, one member of the Hawai‘i County Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and thirteen individuals.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Nahale-a is presently the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Resources at Kamehameha Schools on Hawai‘i island. In the past, Mr. Nahale-a served as the Chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and President and Executive Director of the Hawaii Charter School Network. He is highly involved in his community, having served on various boards and commissions, and possesses a deep understanding of Native Hawaiian issues. In his personal statement, Mr. Nahale‑a indicated that his desire to serve on the Board of Regents comes from his love for Hawai‘i, commitment to public service, and personal belief that the future of Hawai‘i largely rests on the ability of the University of Hawai‘i System to deliver on its promise of improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of current and future generations. Therefore, your Committee finds that Mr. Nahale-a's extensive professional experience, as well as his involvement in the Native Hawaiian community, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i.

KELLI ACOPAN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kelli Acopan from the University of Hawai‘i Student Caucus and eight individuals.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Acopan is presently pursuing a Master's Degree in History at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Assistant for the Department of History at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a Program Assistant for TRiO Upward Bound at Windward Community College. In the past, Ms. Acopan has served as President of the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i at Windward Community College and as Vice Chair of the University of Hawai‘i Student Caucus. According to testimony, Ms. Acopan has consistently demonstrated rational and responsible judgment through her actions representing others. In her personal statement, Ms. Acopan indicated that her academic journey as a traditional and non-traditional student provides her with a unique and informed perspective to the policymaking and decision-making processes related to the University of Hawai‘i. Therefore, your Committee finds that Ms. Acopan's student leadership experience, as well as her commitment to bettering the University of Hawai‘i, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education 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 Higher Education,

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair