STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3510

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 749, 750

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 749 and 750, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Civil Rights Commission

G.M. No. 749	JOAN LEWIS, for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and
G.M. No. 750	LIANN EBESUGAWA, 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 Joan Lewis and Liann Ebesugawa for service on the Civil Rights Commission.

JOAN LEWIS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Joan Lewis from the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lewis' background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Civil Rights Commission. Your Committee notes that Ms. Lewis has been a public educator in Hawai‘i since 1989, teaching intermediate and high school levels. She is currently a board member of the Hawaii Education Association and Education Institute of Hawaii, and an examiner for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Previously, she worked as a State Officer of the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Lewis has served as a Commissioner on the Civil Rights Commission since 2017 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Through the course of her career, Ms. Lewis has gained knowledge and experience in education, labor, and vulnerable youth issues. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Lewis be reappointed to the Civil Rights Commission based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

LIANN EBESUGAWA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Liann Ebesugawa from the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, Japanese American Citizens League, HealthyPacific.Net, and nine individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Liann Ebesugawa from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ebesugawa's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Civil Rights Commission. Your Committee notes that Ms. Ebesugawa has been a practicing attorney in Hawai‘i since 2004. She is currently Assistant General Counsel for Hawaiian Electric industries, Inc. Previously, Ms. Ebesugawa served as Executive Director of the Hawaii State Board of Education. Additionally, she is Past President of the Japanese American Citizens League – Honolulu Chapter and currently serves on the Board of Directors, as well as actively participating in the Honolulu Chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Ebesugawa has served as a Commissioner on the Civil Rights Commission since 2017, and as Chair since 2019. She has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Through the course of her career, Ms. Ebesugawa has gained knowledge and experience in business, government, law, and civil rights advocacy. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Ebesugawa be reappointed to the Civil Rights Commission based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair