SSCR1756

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1756

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 528, 529, 530

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 528, 529, and 530, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Land Use Commission

G.M. No. 528

NANCY CABRAL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

G.M. No. 529

DAN GIOVANNI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and

G.M. No. 530

GARY OKUDA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Nancy Cabral, Dan Giovanni, and Gary Okuda for service on the Land Use Commission.

NANCY CABRAL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Nancy Cabral from the Land Use Commission, Ashford & Wriston, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cabral's professional experience, background, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify her for consideration for reappointment to the Land Use Commission as a member from Hawaii County, pursuant to section 205-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Ms. Cabral has been a real estate agent since 1979. She is not only the owner of both Coldwell Banker Day-Lum Properties and Day-Lum Rentals and Management, Inc., the largest property management company on Hawaii Island, but also was appointed as a property manager for the Third Circuit Court. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Cabral has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members as she has served on the Board of Directors for both the Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center and Hawaii Public Housing Authority and is currently a Vice Chair of the Land Use Commission. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Cabral has served on the Land Use Commission since 2015, and her service continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nancy Cabral be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on her knowledge on housing in Hawaii, diverse experience, and desire to contribute to the community.

DAN GIOVANNI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Dan Giovanni from the Land Use Commission, Mayor of the County of Kaua‘i, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Giovanni's professional experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for consideration for reappointment to the Land Use Commission as a member from Kauai County, pursuant to section 205-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Mr. Giovanni has been an independent contractor since 2015, offering consulting services to the electric power industry. Previously, Mr. Giovanni was the Senior Vice President of Operations at Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Giovanni has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members as he has served on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Honolulu and currently, is not only on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross, but also the President of the Kaua‘i Humane Society Board of Directors. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Giovanni's extensive experience in architecture, engineering, and electric utilities will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Land Use Commission, especially on matters regarding utility-scale energy projects on agricultural lands. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dan Giovanni be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his background, knowledge in renewable energy, and desire to contribute to the community.

GARY OKUDA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Gary Okuda from the Land Use Commission, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Ashford & Wriston, and twenty-four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Okuda's background as an attorney and dedication to public service qualify him for consideration for reappointment to the Land Use Commission as an at-large member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Okuda has practiced law in Hawaii for forty years, including the areas of property and land use law in private practice. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Okuda has served on the Land Use Commission since 2016, and his thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Land Use Commission. Mr. Okuda's courtroom experience and legal knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Gary Okuda be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair