STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2196

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 651

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 651, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Civil Rights Commission

G.M. No. 651

JON MATSUOKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, curriculum vitae, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Jon Matsuoka to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jon Matsuoka from Hawai‘i Friends of Civil Rights and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Matsuoka's extensive experience as an advocate and educator; knowledge of cultural, economic, and historical issues; and commitment to social justice and equal rights qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Matsuoka started his professional career as a faculty member of the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at the University of Hawai‘i. In 2000, he was appointed as Dean, a position he held for ten years. He went on to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Consuelo Foundation. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Matsuoka is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Papakolea Community Development Corporation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. He is also a former member of the Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice's Subcommittee on Alleviating Poverty in Hawai‘i. Your Committee finds that Mr. Matsuoka's experience, dedication to advocacy and social justice, and commitment to serving the community will be great assets to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair