STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3566

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 548, 550, 670, 671

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. 548, 550, 670, and 671, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Land Use Commission

G.M. No. 548	DAN GIOVANNI, for a term to expire 06-30-2021;
G.M. No. 550	DAWN CHANG, for a term to expire 06-30-2023;
G.M. No. 670	JONATHAN SCHEUER, for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and
G.M. No. 671	LEE OHIGASHI, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Dan Giovanni, Dawn Chang, Jonathan Scheuer, and Lee Ohigashi for service on the Land Use Commission.

DAN GIOVANNI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dan Giovanni from the Land Use Commission; Office of the Mayor, County of Kaua‘i; and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dan Giovanni's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Giovanni has been an independent contractor since 2015 offering consulting services to the electric power industry. During the course of Mr. Giovanni's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about the workings of organizations like the Land Use Commission. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Giovanni has served as an interim Commissioner on the Land Use Commission since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Giovanni be appointed to the Land Use Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

DAWN CHANG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Dawn Chang from the Land Use Commission; Aha Moku Advisory Committee; Office of the Mayor, County of Kaua‘i; Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; Pacific Resource Partnership; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dawn Chang's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify her for reappointment to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee notes that Ms. Chang has nineteen years of experience in consulting and strategic planning. Your Committee finds that Ms. Chang is a life-long practitioner and protector of natural and cultural resources with experience in dealing with complex land issues. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Chang has served on several boards and commissions throughout her career. Ms. Chang's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Chang be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JONATHAN SCHEUER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jonathan Scheuer from the Land Use Commission, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, Young Progressives Demanding Action, Surfrider Foundation Kona Kai Ea Chapter, Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, and eighteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Jonathan Scheuer's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Scheuer has thirty years of experience as a natural resources and environmental issues consultant. Your Committee finds that Mr. Scheuer was previously the Director of Land Management at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Scheuer has served as the Vice Chair of the O‘ahu Island Burial Council, Deputy Director for the Commission on Water Resources Management, member of the O‘ahu Land Trust Board of Directors, and Director of Mālama Mānoa. Mr. Scheuer's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Scheuer be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

LEE OHIGASHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Lee Ohigashi from the Land Use Commission, ILWU Local 142, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Lee Ohigashi's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Ohigashi has thirty-five years of experience practicing law in Hawaii. Your Committee finds that Mr. Ohigashi has experience in the workings of organizations like the Land Use Commission and in the role of government in making critical decisions. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Ohigashi has served on several boards and commissions throughout his career. Mr. Ohigashi's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Ohigashi be reappointed to the Land Use 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 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,

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair