STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1859

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 686, 715, 771

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. 686, 715, and 771, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council

G.M. No. 686	LETANI PELTIER, for a term to expire 06-30-2023;
G.M. No. 715	JOSEPH PICKARD, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 771	CLIFFORD LOO, 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 Letani Peltier, Joseph Pickard, and Clifford Loo for service on the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council.

LETANI PELTIER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Letani Peltier from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and fifteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Letani Peltier's background and desire to serve qualify him to be appointed to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council as a voting member representing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Your Committee notes that Mr. Peltier has been a public policy advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since December 2020. Previously, he was a public policy intern for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs during the 2016 and 2017 legislative sessions. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Peltier is an active member in professional and community organizations, including the Native Hawaiian Bar Association and Kane‘ohe Neighborhood Board. Your Committee finds that Mr. Peltier has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his experience in native Hawaiian law will enhance the effectiveness of the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Letani Peltier be appointed to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

JOSEPH PICKARD

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joseph Pickard from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Joseph Pickard's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council as a voting member representing the Kaneohe Bay Commercial Operators Association. Your Committee notes that Mr. Pickard has been a local business owner since 1989. He is the founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation, which was founded to support science, technology, engineering, and math education and career opportunities for native Hawaiians. Mr. Pickard is also currently the President of SeaHawaii, Inc., an ocean recreation, transport, and apparel company; Environet, Inc., an environmental engineering and remediation service company; and Community Planning & Engineering, Inc., a civil engineering firm. Your Committee finds that Mr. Pickard was one of the founding members of the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council and has previously served on the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council from 2008 to 2012. He has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience as a commercial operator on Kaneohe Bay and as a former member of the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council will enhance the effectiveness of the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joseph Pickard be appointed to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council based on his knowledge, background, and desire to contribute to the community.

CLIFFORD LOO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Clifford Loo from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Clifford Loo's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council qualify him for reappointment to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council as a voting member, representing the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board. Your Committee notes that Mr. Loo retired in 2004 and has been a member of the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board for over nine years. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Loo has served on the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council since 2017. His experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Clifford Loo be reappointed to the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council 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