STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4059

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 819, 820

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 819 and 820, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service

G.M. No. 819	SUZETTE ROBINSON, for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and
G.M. No. 820	RICHARD SEDER, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Suzette Robinson and Richard Seder for service on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

SUZETTE ROBINSON

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on this measure.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Robinson's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify her for appointment as a member. Ms. Robinson has served Hawaii's higher education community for nearly forty-five years, serving in multiple roles in academic program development and instruction, including as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and as Assistant Dean of Instruction at University of Hawaii – Maui College. Ms. Robinson recently retired as Interim Chancellor of Leeward Community College, where she oversaw campus development and programs at both Leeward Community College and the Waianae Moku Education Center. Your Committee notes that Ms. Robinson has also been an active member in her community to advance higher education in the State. She previously served as principal investigator for NSF ADVANCE grant, which provided a five-year, $1.1 million grant to provide resources in recruitment, retention, and advancement for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields within the University of Hawaii Community Colleges. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Robinson's experience and knowledge will be assets to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service. Your Committee therefore recommends that Suzette Robinson be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

RICHARD SEDER

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on this measure.

Your Committee finds that Dr. Seder's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify him for appointment as a member. Dr. Seder has extensive experience in K-12 and higher education, serving in various roles from instructional faculty to policy development and consulting. Your Committee notes that Dr. Seder has contributed to the field of education through his research on early childhood development and student non-enrollment and chronic absenteeism. Dr. Seder has also authored or co-authored numerous technical reports ranging from the State of Hawaii Perkins V State Plan, early childhood development, and school system development in various states. Your Committee additionally finds that Dr. Seder has previously served as President of the Hawaii Educational Research Association, a research network dedicated to studying social and economic changes on educational policy. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Seder's experience and knowledge in all levels of education, including educational policy and early childhood development, will be assets to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service. Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Seder be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair