SSCR1550

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1550

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 577, 578

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 577 and 578, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawaiian Homes Commission

G.M. No. 577

MICHAEL KALEIKINI,

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

G.M. No. 578

DENNIS NEVES,

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 Michael Kaleikini and Dennis Neves for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

MICHAEL KALEIKINI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Kaleikini from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Panaewa Hawaiian Home Lands Community Association, two Commissioners of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment from fifteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Michael Kaleikini possesses a background in plant operations, community engagement, administration, and business development, has experience on the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and is dedicated to serving the public. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaleikini has had over twenty-eight years of experience in geothermal power plant operations and business development. Mr. Kaleikini is currently the Senior Director of Hawaii Affairs at Puna Geothermal Venture, an Ormat company.

While your Committee commends Mr. Kaleikini for his willingness to serve and acknowledges his extensive experience in business management, the Committee noted concerns that Mr. Kaleikini may seek to advance business interests at the expense of Hawaiian Homes Commission Act beneficiary interests and has concerns about his lack of proactive community engagement. Additionally, homestead associations across East Hawaii established an open community application and selection process for the East Hawaii Hawaiian Homes Commissioner seat, in which Mr. Kaleikini did not participate.

Due to the above concerns regarding Mr. Kaleikini, the members of your Committee were equally divided upon taking the vote on the Chair's recommendation to advise and consent to Mr. Kaleikini's nomination for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. This resulted in the recommendation not being adopted by your Committee; nevertheless, the nomination will move to the Senate floor for a final vote pursuant to Senate Rule 37.

DENNIS NEVES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dennis Neves from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, two Commissioners from the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment from two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Neves' background, experience, and current service on the Commission qualify him for nomination for reappointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission as a representative of the County of Kauai. Mr. Neves' career at San Francisco International Airport reflects continuing and increasing responsibilities and his final position as Terminal Systems Manager involved project management and contracting responsibilities. After his return to Hawaii, Mr. Neves held the position of Airport District Manager for Kauai Airports where he coordinated airport daily activities with the Transportation Security Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Neves held that position until his retirement and is now a homesteader who lives in Anahola, Kauai.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Neves possesses a vast experience with executive and operational management, federal rules and standards, budget development and control, personnel education and development, dispute resolution, and project management. Furthermore, your Committee finds that Mr. Neves' experience of moving away from Hawaii for work for several years before returning is common in the Hawaiian community and Mr. Neves represents those with a similar experience on the Commission. Mr. Neves' homestead insights and his commitment to serve the people and purpose of the Hawaiian Homes Commission are admirable in his current role as a Commissioner.

Upon taking the vote, members of your Committee were divided, with two ayes and two nays on the Chair's recommendation to advise and consent to the nomination of the reappointment of Mr. Neves to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. This resulted in the recommendation not being adopted by your Committee; nevertheless, the nomination will move to the Senate floor for a final vote pursuant to Senate Rule 37.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, lack a majority of votes to recommend that the Senate either advise and consent or not advise and consent to the nominations and return the nominations to the full Senate for consideration in accordance with Senate Rule 37(3), which states: "The final question on nominations made by the Governor shall be: "Will the Senate advise and consent to this nomination?"".

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair