STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1971

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 567

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 567, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Paroling Authority

G.M. No. 567

GENE DEMELLO JR., for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Gene DeMello, Jr. for service on the Hawaii Paroling Authority as Chairperson.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Gene DeMello, Jr. from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Hawaii Paroling Authority, Hawaiʻi Friends of Restorative Justice, and eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. DeMello, Jr.'s background and extensive experience qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Paroling Authority as Chairperson. Your Committee notes that Mr. DeMello, Jr. has worked in the field of judicial and community corrections for thirty-nine years, has eighteen years of experience as a supervisor and administrator, and has been a board member of the Hawaii Paroling Authority since 2021. He became the Interim Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority in 2024, and his priorities in this position are to enhance reentry services through collaborative and comprehensive release planning with inmates, case managers, and parole officers; to reduce the revocation rate; and to lower recidivism. Mr. DeMello, Jr. has consistently demonstrated compassion and respect for people on parole, those being discharged, and their families, and he has expressed a deep commitment to their successful reintegration into society. Your Committee further finds that Mr. DeMello, Jr.'s long career, wealth of experience in reentry services, parole supervision, and leadership uniquely position him to serve as Chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Mr. DeMello, Jr.'s background demonstrates a balanced approach to public safety and rehabilitation, making him an asset to the community and the criminal justice system. Your Committee therefore recommends that Gene DeMello, Jr. be appointed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs 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 Public Safety and Military Affairs,

____________________________

BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair