STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3567

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 584, 585

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 584, and 585, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Land and Natural Resources

G.M. No. 584	WESLEY YOON, for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and
G.M. No. 585	VERNON CHAR, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Wesley Yoon and Vernon Char for service on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

WESLEY YOON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Wesley Yoon from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Pacific Resource Partnership, and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Wesley Yoon from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Wesley Yoon's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee notes that Mr. Yoon has been an executive level professional in the public and private sectors for over fifteen years. Mr. Yoon is currently the Vice President of Operations at the Bishop Museum and responsible for managing the daily operations of the museum's campus. Previously, Mr. Yoon was the Architecture Branch Chief for the State of Hawaii, responsible for administering and directing daily operations of the Architectural Branch of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Division. Your Committee finds that Mr. Yoon has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in land management will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Yoon be appointed to the Board of Land and Natural Resources based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

VERNON CHAR

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Vernon Char from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Ponoholo Ranch Limited, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Vernon Char's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee notes that Mr. Char has been a practicing attorney in Hawaii since 1959 after graduating from Harvard Law School. During the course of Mr. Char's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about business transactions including development acquisitions, sale of businesses, and government contracts. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Char has served as an interim member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Vernon Char be appointed to the Board of Land and Natural Resources based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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

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KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair