STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3917

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 728

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. 728, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority

G.M. No. 728

NEIL HANNAHS, for a term to expire 06-30-2028. (Term to expire amended to 06-30-2027 by GM756),

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Neil Hannahs from three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hannahs' experience, background, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Hannahs is the founder and present CEO of Hoʻokele Strategies LLC, a consulting firm that fosters the emergence of high performance leadership and enterprises with indigenous values to catalyze abundance, health, sustainability, and social equity. Mr. Hannahs also possesses extensive experience in land resource management in Hawaii. From 2000 to 2015, Mr. Hannahs directed the Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Division. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Hannahs has served on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including Awaialu, Hawaiʻi Commission on Water Resource Management, Hawaiian Land Trust, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Your Committee finds that Mr. Hannahs thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of Authority members and his wealth of knowledge and experience will be assets to the Mauna Kea Oversight and Stewardship Authority as a member with land resource management expertise. Your Committee therefore recommends that Neil Hannahs be appointed to the Mauna Kea Oversight and Stewardship 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