STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3973

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 775

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 775, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council

G.M. No. 775

ELENA BRYANT, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Elena Bryant for service on the Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Elena Bryant from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, two members of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bryant's experience, knowledge, legal expertise and membership on the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board qualify her for appointment to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council as a member who is a member of the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board, pursuant to section 200D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Ms. Bryant is currently an Associate Attorney for Earthjustice, an organization that focuses on Native Hawaiian and environmental legal issues before the courts in Hawaii. Ms. Bryant has been an active member of her community, serving on the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board since 2019, and as a member of the Board's Environmental Committee as chairperson and the Planning Committee as co-chairperson. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Bryant's experience in the Kaneohe community and background in legal matters related to the environment and Native Hawaiian rights will be assets to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Elena Bryant be appointed to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair