STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1999

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 624

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 624, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

University of Hawai'i Board of Regents

G.M. No. 624

JOSHUA FAUMUINA for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Joshua Faumuina for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joshua Faumuina from seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Faumuina's background and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment as the student regent of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Hawaii. Your Committee notes that Mr. Faumuina is currently a student at the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he is enrolled in the Evening Part Time and Juris Doctor FLEX programs. He is also a recruitment and retention facilitator at Kapiolani Community College where he recruits and retains Native Hawaiian and other underrepresented STEM students to National Science Foundation grant programs, supporting the College's institutional goals. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Faumuina earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and as a first‑generation college graduate, is motivated to give back to public higher education to ensure that opportunities are available to students of all backgrounds. His perspective and experiences as a student at the University of Hawaii allow him to effectively represent his student constituents and contribute thoughtful student perspectives at board meetings. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Faumuina has served as interim student regent of the Board of Regents for several months and therefore thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of its members and his unique perspective and experience in student recruitment and retention will continue to be an asset to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joshua Faumuina be appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair