STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3296

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 578, 579, 580, 581

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 578, 579, 580, and 581, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu

G.M. No. 578	LYNETTE CRUZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2023;
G.M. No. 579	BENJAMIN SHAFER, for a term to expire 06-30-2024;
G.M. No. 580	BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 581	CHARLES EHRHORN, 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 Lynette Cruz, Benjamin Shafer, Brickwood Galuteria, and Charles Ehrhorn for service on the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu.

LYNETTE CRUZ

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lynette Cruz from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku Kakuhihewa, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cruz's knowledge and experience qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu. Ms. Cruz has taught at various universities since 1988, and since 2015, has served as both a lecturer at Leeward Community College and President of Malama Maku and Hui Aloha Aina O Ka Lei Maile Alii. Ms. Cruz also volunteers at various places such as Iolani Palace and Kaniakapupu. She is currently serving as an interim appointee on the Council. Ms. Cruz's vast experience and knowledge of Hawaiian culture, experiences in the community, and her academic background in Pacific studies and anthropology make her a strong asset to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Lynette Cruz be appointed to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu based on her experience and proven knowledge.

BENJAMIN SHAFER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Benjamin Shafer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku Kakuhihewa, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Shafer's experience and diligence qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu. Mr. Shafer has always been active in his community, from working on restoring the Huilua Fishpond to chairing the Kahana Planning Council and being a co-chair for the Kahana Advisory Board. Mr. Shafer also has experience serving on community associations and neighborhood boards and would walk door-to-door to deliver minutes for the Kahana Planning Council to ensure everyone in his community was informed. He is currently serving as an interim appointee on the Council. Mr. Shafer shows a level of dedication and leadership that will be an important asset to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Benjamin Shafer be appointed to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu based on his experience and diligence.

BRICKWOOD GALUTERIA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Brickwood Galuteria from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku Kakuhihewa, and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Senator Galuteria's knowledge, experience, and proven leadership qualifies him for appointment to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu. Senator Galuteria served in the Hawaii State Senate from 2008 to 2018 and held positions as Senate Majority Leader, Senate Majority Caucus Leader, Chair of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, and member of the Committee on Ways and Means, among others. Senator Galuteria also founded Na Kupuna Makamae Center, and has been involved in numerous other public service projects relating to Hawaiian culture, including serving as a board member of the Hawaii Book and Music Festival, Polynesian Voyaging Society, and Bishop Museum Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program. Senator Galuteria is currently serving as an interim appointee on the Council. Due to his extensive experience working directly with the Hawaiian people from many angles, Senator Galuteria will be a strong asset to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Brickwood Galuteria be appointed to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu based on his experience, knowledge, and proven leadership skills.

CHARLES EHRHORN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Charles Ehrhorn from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ehrhorn's knowledge and experience qualify him for reappointment to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu. Mr. Ehrhorn has a masters degree in regional planning and was a land planning coordinator and manager for Campbell Estate from 1993 to 2003, and since then has been a consultant for C&J Land Planning LLC. Furthermore, Mr. Ehrhorn has served on the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu in the past and currently serves as an interim appointee. Mr. Ehrhorn's background and work experience gives him a unique perspective and skill set that will be a great asset to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Charles Ehrhorn be appointed to the Island Burial Council for the Island of Oahu based on his experience and knowledge.

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, 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 Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair