STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3807

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 845

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 845, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 845

KELII ACOPAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2022 (first name amended to KELLI by GM855),

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kelli Acopan for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kelli Acopan from eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Acopan's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed as the Student Regent of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i. Your Committee notes that Ms. Acopan began her involvement in student government at Windward Community College, where she participated in the legislative process and worked effectively to make the student voice heard on policy and decision-making at both the campus and system-wide levels. Ms. Acopan graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 2017 and is continuing her studies in this field as a master's student. Your Committee finds that the Board of Regents as a whole must take a pragmatic, disciplined, and systematic approach to controlling costs instead of approving capital improvement projects, salaries, and other cost items on a piecemeal and ad hoc basis, especially in light of declining enrollment rates. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Acopan has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her experience in student government and teaching and will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Acopan be reappointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair