SSCR3582

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3582

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 622, 623, 624

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 622, 623, and 624, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawaiian Homes Commission

G.M. No. 622

ZACHARY HELM,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

G.M. No. 623

RUSSELL KAUPU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

G.M. No. 624

RANDY AWO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Zachary Helm, Russell Kaupu, and Randy Awo for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

ZACHARY HELM

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Zachary Helm from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, one member of the Maui County Council, Kalama‘ula Homesteader's Association, Moloka‘i Hawaiian Homelands Kupuna Committee, Napualei o Hina, and seventeen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Mr. Helm from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Zachary Helm's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Hawaiian Homes Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Helm has thirty years of experience working with the Department of Parks and Recreation for the County of Maui. Your Committee finds that Mr. Helm served most of his tenure at the Department of Parks and Recreation as the District Supervisor III where he was responsible for the operations and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, equipment, and programs. Mr. Helm is also active in the community, serving on various boards. Mr. Helm's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Helm be reappointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

RUSSELL KAUPU

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Russell Kaupu from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, SanHi Government Strategies, and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Kaupu from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Russell Kaupu's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaupu has been a practicing attorney since 1992. Mr. Kaupu is currently Corporate Counsel for The MacNaughton Group and a small business owner of a number of enterprises. Mr. Kaupu is also active in the community, serving on various boards. Your Committee finds that Mr. Kaupu has a thorough understanding and extensive experience in law and business management, which will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Kaupu be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

RANDY AWO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Randy Awo from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Napualei o Hina, and eighteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Mr. Awo from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Randy Awo's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Hawaiian Homes Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Awo has been in administration and management since 1999. Your Committee finds that by being born and raised on Hawaiian homestead land his whole life, Mr. Awo was surrounded and influenced by Native Hawaiian beliefs and practices and has worked to conserve and preserve Native Hawaiian practices and natural resources. Mr. Awo's dedication to the conservation of natural resources is reflected in his twenty-six years of experience in the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, of which he ultimately became the administrator until retirement. Mr. Awo's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Awo be reappointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs 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 Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair