SSCR3564

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3564

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 773, 774, 775

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. 773, 774, and 775, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 773

CARMEN LINDSEY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

G.M. No. 774

MICHELLE PESCAIA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021; and

G.M. No. 775

SAUMALU MATAAFA,

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 Carmen Lindsey, Michelle Pescaia, and Saumalu Mataafa for service on the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.

CARMEN LINDSEY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Carmen Lindsey from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and thirteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lindsey's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission as a member representing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Your Committee notes that Ms. Lindsey is a native Hawaiian who has cultural knowledge of Kaho‘olawe and has a strong background in business and legislative affairs. Ms. Lindsey has represented Maui as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee since 2012, is the owner of Lindsey Realty and Kahulu Production, and is a well-known recording artist. Ms. Lindsey is actively engaged in her community, served a prior term on the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission from 2015 to 2019, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Lindsey be appointed to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission based on her extensive knowledge of Hawaiian culture and dedication to public service.

MICHELLE PESCAIA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michelle Pescaia from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, and sixteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Pescaia's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission as a member representing Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana. Your Committee notes that Ms. Pescaia has a strong cultural connection to Kaho‘olawe and has traveled to the island on numerous occasions to share her knowledge of the cultural sites and participate in cultural and religious ceremonies. Ms. Pescaia graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Language and is currently an Interpretive Park Ranger at Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Pescaia has been an interim member of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission since August 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Pescaia be appointed to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission based on her knowledge of Hawaiian cultural resource management and commitment to public service.

SAUMALU MATAAFA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Saumalu Mataafa from the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, Office of the Mayor of Maui County, and thirteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Mataafa's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission as a member representing Maui County. Your Committee notes that Mr. Mataafa currently works in the County of Maui's Department of Management and has extensive experience researching, drafting policies, and managing projects. Prior to that, Mr. Mataafa served as a Policy, Budget, and Communications Liaison and Legislative Analyst in Maui County. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Mataafa has previous experience volunteering with the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, has served as an interim member of the Commission since July 2019, and accordingly has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Mataafa be appointed to the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission based on his administrative experience, knowledge, and commitment to serving the public.

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