SSCR1801

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1801

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 792, 793

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 792 and 793, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawaii Paroling Authority

G.M. No. 792

MILTON KOTSUBO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

G.M. No. 793

CAROL MATAYOSHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Milton Kotsubo and Carol Matayoshi for service on the Hawaii Paroling Authority.

MILTON KOTSUBO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Milton Kotsubo from the Department of Public Safety and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kotsubo's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kotsubo has over forty years of experience with Hawaii's offender population. He earned a Master's degree in social work and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Mr. Kotsubo has a diverse social work background and has gained broad experience and in-depth knowledge about the public safety and judiciary system. While employed by the Department of Public Safety from 1983 to 2014, he held various positions, ranging from direct case management with prisoners to supervision of the Intake Service Division. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Kotsubo has been nominated to serve on various professional and governmental bodies, such as the Criminal Pretrial Task Force and the Correctional Program Checklist Subcommittee of the Interagency Council on Intermediate Sanctions. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kotsubo understands the roles and responsibilities of board members and that his extensive experience will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Milton Kotsubo be appointed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

CAROL MATAYOSHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Carol Matayoshi from the Department of Public Safety, Hawaii Paroling Authority, and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Matayoshi's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Your Committee notes that Ms. Matayoshi has over twenty-four years of experience with Hawaii's chronically homeless population, many of whom suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. She earned a Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Ms. Matayoshi has created, funded, and managed a plethora of programs that provide a wide range of services for culturally diverse populations. Your Committee further notes that she has served in professional and community organizations, including Ka Hui Laulima and Hawai‘i Island Going Home Consortium. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Matayoshi has served on the State Council on Mental Health since 2018 and thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of board members. Her knowledge of reintegration practices and experience as a case manager, program director, and grant administrator will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Carol Matayoshi be appointed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs 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 Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair