STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1041

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 513, 514

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 513 and 514, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Registration of the Island of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 513	SHAWN MERRILL, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 514	PHILIP BARNES, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Shawn Merrill and Philip Barnes for service on the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawai‘i.

SHAWN MERRILL

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on the nomination for the reappointment of Shawn Merrill.

Your Committee finds that the Boards of Registration hear and decide appeals that arise from voter challenges or a county clerk's decision regarding voter registration, and they are vital to the transparency and integrity of the State's elections. Your Committee notes that Shawn Merrill is a paralegal on Hawai‘i island and is active in numerous community organizations. Ms. Merrill is currently a member of the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawai‘i, and your Committee finds that her commitment to ensuring fairness in the process of registering and counting votes will continue to be a great asset to the Board.

PHILIP BARNES

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on the nomination for the reappointment of Philip Barnes.

Your Committee finds that the Boards of Registration hear and decide appeals that arise from voter challenges or a county clerk's decision regarding voter registration, and they are vital to the transparency and integrity of the State's elections. Your Committee notes that Philip Barnes is active in several community organizations and is currently a member of the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawai‘i. Your Committee further finds that his commitment to ensuring fairness in the process of registering and counting votes will continue to be a great asset to the Board.

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