STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2119

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 622, 623

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 Nos. 622 and 623, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau

G.M. No. 622	JOHNNETTE KAHALEKAI, for a term to expire 06-30-2019; and
G.M. No. 623	JOHNNETTE KAHALEKAI, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history and resume submitted by Johnnette Kahalekai for service on the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Ms. Kahalekai from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Ms. Kahalekai was born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i and has gained a firm understanding of issues on the islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. She attended Kaua‘i High School, University of Hawai‘i for a year, and the Kaua‘i Community College where she earned a Construction Technician Certificate. She currently sits on the Kupuna Council of Kaua‘i that is sponsored by Ho‘ola Lahui/Papa Lokahi. Ms. Kahalekai is an ordained Kahu and Wedding Officiant at the Church of Universal Light and is a ho‘oponopono practitioner. According to Ms. Kahalekai's resume, her occupation has allowed her to work closely with iwi, and she hopes to perpetuate cultural values and teach others updated ways to malama iwi kupuna.

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