STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3580

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 707, 708

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 707 and 708, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Education

G.M. No. 707	LYNN FALLIN, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 708	SHANTY ASHER, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Lynn Fallin and Shanty Asher for service on the Board of Education.

LYNN FALLIN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lynn Fallin from Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School, Native Hawaiian Education Program Hawaiian Art and Early Literacy Project, Kualapu‘u School Public Conversion Charter School, and eighteen individuals. Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Lynn Fallin from HawaiiKidsCAN.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Fallin's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Education. Your Committee notes that Ms. Fallin has over twenty years of senior level experience in education policy and administrative leadership. Previously, Ms. Fallin was also a classroom teacher for fourteen years, and has extensive senior management experience at the state government level in youth and family services. Your Committee finds that Ms. Fallin has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in educational policy and leadership will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Education. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Fallin be appointed to the Board of Education based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

SHANTY ASHER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shanty Asher from Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, Oahu Economic Development Board, The Legal Clinic, Filipinos for Affirmative Action, Raatior Consulting, HealthyPacific.Net, and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Shanty Asher from HawaiiKidsCAN.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Asher's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Education. Your Committee notes that Ms. Asher has been a lawyer since 2008. Ms. Asher is currently an education law specialist at Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Previously, Ms. Asher served as an attorney for the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia. Your Committee finds that Ms. Asher has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in the policy and law regarding education will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Education. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Asher be appointed to the Board of Education based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair