SSCR3737

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3737

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 820, 821, 822

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 820, 821, and 822, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Advisory Board on Veterans' Services

G.M. No. 820

MICHAEL LILLY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

G.M. No. 821

MARY HERTOG,

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

G.M. No. 822

REYN KAUPIKO,

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 Michael Lilly, Mary Hertog, and Reyn Kaupiko for service on the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services.

MICHAEL LILLY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Michael Lilly from the Office of Veterans Services and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lilly's professional experience and military background qualify him for reappointment to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services. Your Committee notes that Mr. Lilly has an extensive military and legal background. Mr. Lilly served in Vietnam and retired as a Naval Reserve Captain after thirty years of service. He also served as the State's Attorney General and First Deputy Attorney General and spent thirty-four years as a partner in the Honolulu law firm of Ning, Lilly, and Jones. Mr. Lilly has received numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Helen Kinau Wilder Friendship Award. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lilly has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Lilly be reappointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services based on his legal background, commitment to the military, and dedication to public service.

MARY HERTOG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mary Hertog from the Office of Veterans' Services and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Mary Hertog from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hertog's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Hertog has over thirty years of experience in the Air Force. Ms. Hertog began her career in the Air Force in 1978 as an ROTC distinguished graduate. She later moved up the ranks and retired in 2012 as a Major General. Prior to retirement, Ms. Hertog was the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. Ms. Hertog has received numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Hertog is also dedicated to community service as she currently serves on multiple community organizations, including the Kauai Veterans Council, State of Hawaii Disabled American Veterans Organization, and Kauai Police Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Hertog be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services based on her commitment to the military and dedication to public service.

REYN KAUPIKO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Reyn Kaupiko from the Office of Veterans Services, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association Hawaii Chapter, Hawaii Kai Community Church, and eighteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kaupiko's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaupiko graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 and proceeded to enlist in the United States Navy where he served for five years. During his career in the Navy, Mr. Kaupiko worked as a Surface Warfare Officer and as a Communications Manager and Electrical Manager. Mr. Kaupiko is currently a Construction Estimator at Dawson Federal, Inc. Prior to working at Dawson Federal, Inc., Mr. Kaupiko was the Operations Manager at Young Brothers, LLC. Your Committee finds that Mr. Kaupiko has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services and his experience in the Navy will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Kaupiko be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military 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 Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair