STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1867

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 601

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 601, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Stadium Authority

G.M. No. 601

WALTER THOEMMES III, 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 Walter Thoemmes III for service on the Stadium Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Walter Thoemmes III from the Stadium Authority; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Thoemmes' experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Stadium Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Thoemmes currently serves as the Managing Director of Planning, Industry, and Development for Kamehameha Schools where he creates and implements long-term strategies over the entirety of Kamehameha Schools' real estate portfolio, including agricultural and conservation lands. Mr. Thoemmes is a licensed architect and has thirty-five years of career experience with Kamehameha Schools, holding various positions where he has overseen property development, including land acquisition, entitlement matters, off-site infrastructure investments, planning, building design, construction, property management, and property portfolio expansion. Your Committee finds that Mr. Thoemmes is an active member in his community where he serves as Director for INPEACE, Move Oahu Forward, and Sustainability Business Forum, where he shows his commitment to fostering sustainability and community growth in the real estate industry. Your Committee notes that Mr. Thoemmes has been serving on the Stadium Authority as an interim member since July 2024, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Mr. Thoemmes' extensive experience in community outreach, real estate portfolio management, and land development, as well as his commitment to Native Hawaiian culture and values, will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Walter Thoemmes III be appointed to the Stadium 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 Economic Development and Tourism 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 Economic Development and Tourism,

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair