STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4092

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 751

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 751, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Executive Director of the School Facilities Authority

G.M. No. 751

CHAD FARIAS, for a term to expire in 6 years after the confirmation date (School Facilities Board amended to School Facilities Authority by GM780),

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Chad Farias for service as Executive Director of the School Facilities Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Chad Farias from the Governor; Department of Education; Department of Transportation; Hui for Excellence in Education; the principals of Na‘alehu Elementary School, Kea‘au High School, Kea‘au Elementary School, and Pahoa Elementary School; SSFM International, Inc.; and twenty-one individuals.

Upon review of the testimony and supporting materials, your Committee finds that Mr. Farias' background and extensive experience in education qualify him to be nominated for appointment as Executive Director of the School Facilities Authority. Mr. Farias was born and raised on Hawai‘i island, received his undergraduate degree in art history and education, and obtained a post-graduate degree in education administration. Your Committee finds that Mr. Farias is a passionate educator with a track record of leadership and dedication to his students and community. Since 1993, Mr. Farias has served in the public education system as Teacher, Counselor, Activities Coordinator, Vice-Principal, Principal, Athletics Coach, and Complex Area Superintendent. During his tenure as principal of Kea‘au Elementary School, Mr. Farias pioneered the use of technology to elevate student achievement. As Complex Area Superintendent for the Ka‘u-Kea‘au-Pahoa Complex Area, Mr. Farias successfully navigated his schools through numerous challenges, including devastating natural disasters and a global pandemic. Mr. Farias also served as the co-chair of the Department of Education's Committee on Weights, and is an advocate for marginalized and underserved communities. His vast experience within the Department provides him with deep insight into the needs of Hawaii's public schools to offer optimal learning environments to facilitate higher student achievement and will continue to be an asset to the School Facilities Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Chad Farias be appointed as Executive Director of the School Facilities Authority based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to public education.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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 Education,

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair