STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1855

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 682

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 No. 682, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Land and Natural Resources

G.M. No. 682

VERNON CHAR, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Vernon Char for service on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for reappointment of Vernon Char from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Ponoholo Ranch Limited.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Vernon Char's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources as a member at large. Mr. Char has been a practicing attorney in Hawaii since 1959 after graduating from Harvard Law School. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Char has over twenty-five years of experience serving on governmental boards and commissions. Mr. Char was one of the founders and the first President of the University of Hawaii Alumni Association. He served as a member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority from 2003 to 2011, Chairperson of the State Bicentennial Commission for the U.S. Constitution from 1986 to 1991, and the first Chairperson of the State Ethics Commission from 1968 to 1975. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Char has served as a member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. His experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee therefore recommends that Vernon Char be reappointed to the Board of Land and Natural Resources based on his experience, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair