STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3381

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 627

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 627, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority

G.M. No. 627

BENJAMIN KUDO, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Benjamin Kudo for service on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Benjamin Kudo from one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council, SanHi Government Strategies, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kudo's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him for appointment to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Mr. Kudo presently serves as counsel to the law firm of Ashford & Wriston, which handles major real estate transactions, commercial litigation, and tax law throughout the State. Your Committee notes that prior to his legal career, Mr. Kudo held positions within Castle & Cooke, Inc. and Amfac, Inc., two of Hawaii's major agriculture and land development corporations. Mr. Kudo has also been an invited speaker and seminar lecturer to various professional organizations on real property law, land use law, Native Hawaiian rights, and water rights. Your Committee additionally notes that Mr. Kudo has also advised state and county legislative and administrative bodies on various land use projects, including the drafting of state and county land use and administrative laws and regulations. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kudo's knowledge and experience will be assets to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Benjamin Kudo be appointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority based on his 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