STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1679

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 573

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 573, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Island Burial Council, Island of Moloka'i

 

G.M. No. 573

LAAKEA POEPOE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the resume submitted by La‘akea Poepoe for service on the Island Burial Council, Island of Molokai.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of La‘akea Poepoe from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ka Lahui Hawaii Political Action Committee, and one individual.

 

     La‘akea Poepoe has been serving as an interim member of the Island Burial Council of Molokai since 2018 and is a lineal descendant of the inhabitants of Molokai.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Poepoe was a strong advocate for the proper stewardship of natural and cultural resources and for the community on Molokai during his service on the Molokai Planning Commission.  As a member of the Commission, Mr. Poepoe integrated cultural knowledge and traditional and customary practices in the development of conservation strategies for Molokai.  Mr. Poepoe is a Hawaiian language speaker, and, as a member of Hui Malama O Mo‘omomi since 1993, he has a deep personal knowledge of significant cultural sites and burial grounds through the coastal sand dune system of Keonelele.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair