STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4077

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 771

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 771, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Defender Council

G.M. No. 771

DAVID HAYAKAWA, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by David Hayakawa for service on the Defender Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of David Hayakawa from twenty-three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hayakawa's background, expertise, and proven leadership on the Defender Council qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Defender Council. Your Committee notes that before establishing his own law firm, Mr. Hayakawa worked at the Law Office of Howard K.K. Luke and as a senior felony trial attorney at the State of Hawaii's Office of the Public Defender for more than twelve years. Since 2014, Mr. Hayakawa has served as the Dean of the Hawaii State Bar Association's Trial Academy, is the co-chairperson of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii's Rule 1.14 Professionalism Course Committee, and is the executive producer of the annual Hawaii State Bar Association #Rock4Justice fundraiser. Mr. Hayakawa is active in his community, having served as Chairperson of the non-profit Kilohana Senior Enrichment Center's Board of Directors and presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kilohana Pre-School. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Hayakawa has served on the Defender Council for one year, and his extensive trial experience continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that David Hayakawa be reappointed to the Defender Council based on his experience, background, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair