STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2159

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 688

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 688, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 688

JOSHUA KAAKUA, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Joshua Kaakua for service on the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Joshua Kaakua from the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Moku O Kanaloa, County of Maui Department of Planning, Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, Hawaiian Canoe Club of Maui, and twenty-eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your committee finds that Dr. Kaakua has fourteen years of experience planning, designing, and implementing collaborative, high performing, and results-oriented diversity programs within the University of Hawaii System with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dr. Kaakua is an active community participant and is a member of the Akamai Workforce Initiative, Na Pua No‘eau Center for Gifted & Talented Native Hawaiian Children, Ke Ola Mau Native Hawaiian Health Scholars Program, and Pacific American Foundation Na ‘Imi Na‘auao, among others, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.

Your Committee finds that Dr. Kaakua has the background, experience, and commitment to community and public service which further qualify him for reappointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission as a member of the Protect Kaho‘olawe Ohana, pursuant to section 6K-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Dr. Kaakua was instrumental in gaining support for the Commission's capital improvement projects. Testifiers noted the nominee is trained as a Kua, a member who provides for safe and meaningful journeys to the island; trained as a Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission Access Guide in the ability to identify, mark, and avoid unexploded ordnance; and actively involved in the opening of an Ala Loa, an around-the-island trail to lead many of the huaka‘i, cultural field trips to the island. Your Committee further finds that the Commission will continue to benefit from the background and experience that Dr. Kaakua brings to the Commission.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair