STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1948

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 676, 677, 678, 679

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 676, 677, 678, and 679, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lana'i

 

G.M. No. 676

DANE MAXWELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2029;

 

G.M. No. 677

NOELANI PARESA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2029;

 

G.M. No. 678

CAROLINE HARTMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and

 

G.M. No. 679

BENNADETTE DUMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Dane Maxwell, Noelani Paresa, Caroline Hartman, and Bennadette Duman for service on the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi.

 

DANE MAXWELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dane Maxwell from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Maxwell's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, as the representative for the geographic region of Makawao.  Mr. Maxwell is a Hawaiian Cultural Specialist with CKM Cultural Resources, LLC where he monitors construction projects in culturally sensitive areas, prepares cultural impact assessments, and assists with proper Hawaiian cultural protocols in the event of inadvertent archaeological discoveries, including the finding of sacred iwi kupuna.  In addition to his advocacy work relating to iwi kupuna, Mr. Maxwell is affiliated with several local organizations dedicated to promoting and sustaining indigenous arts and healing through education.  He has consistently sought guidance from cultural elders and community members to ensure that his actions align with the values and protocols of the ancestors, and his collaborative approach and willingness to listen have earned him the trust and respect of many within the Hawaiian community.  As a fluent speaker of ʻŌlelo Hawaii, he possesses a unique understanding of cultural protocols which will be invaluable to the Island Burial Council.  Mr. Maxwell has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his contributions to the preservation of cultural landscapes, dedication, and respect for traditions will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dane Maxwell be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, based on his adaptability, leadership, and ability to navigate complex cultural and historical contexts with sensitivity and integrity.

 

NOELANI PARESA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Noelani Paresa from the  Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Paresa's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, as the representative for the geographic region of Wailuku.  Ms. Paresa is currently involved in reforestation, water conservation, and soil rehabilitation efforts in Kula on the island of Maui.  She is also currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Justice Administration at the University of Hawaii Maui College.  Ms. Paresa has a unique background in the field of native botany, land management, research, and iwi kupuna protection, demonstrating her commitment to preserving and promoting a diverse spectrum of life and life-giving elements within her culture.  She has recently been involved with the reinterment of iwi kupuna on Maui that were held in storage at the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  Ms. Paresa is also involved in the restoration of native ecosystems, community-driven traditional stewardship, land and water rights, and policy advocacy for Native Hawaiians.  She served as a Board Member and Secretary for Pāʻupena Community Development Corporation, a hui that provides resources and training to empower fellow Hawaiian Home Lands Trust beneficiaries to build homes and self-sufficient communities.  Ms. Paresa has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her steadfast advocacy for the protection of iwi kupuna, deep connection to both the community and the land, and professionalism will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Noelani Paresa be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, based on her broad skillset, compassion, and devotion to environmental and social justice.

 

CAROLINE HARTMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Caroline Hartman from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hartman's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, as the representative for the geographic region of Hana.  Ms. Hartman currently works as an Educational Assistant at Kihei Charter School and is a volunteer for the Pacific Whale Foundation.  She is dedicated to both cultural preservation and community well-being, which she has demonstrated through active protection and stewardship of iwi kupuna in Kipahulu.  Ms. Hartman has a unique background in the indigenous healthcare systems of Hawaii as she is the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of kahuna of laʻau lapaʻau, meaning she is a multigenerational matrilineal descendant of Native Hawaiian traditional healers who specialize in the art of plant-based medicinal treatment and traditional spiritual practices relating to wellness.  Ms. Hartman personally understands the critical need to safeguard iwi kupuna through her own experience defending the resting place of her ancestor—when a family property in Kipahulu was obtained through quiet title and the new owner attempted to remove iwi kupuna discovered on the property, Ms. Hartman stopped this from happening by educating the party.  She has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members, and her lived experience, willingness to serve her community, and mindfulness will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Caroline Hartman be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, based on her background, respectfulness, and appropriate cultural grounding needed to navigate the sensitive issues of burial council responsibilities.

 

BENNADETTE DUMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for appointment of Bennadette Duman from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Duman's knowledge, experience, and desire to serve qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, as a representative for the geographic region of Lahaina.  Ms. Duman currently serves as the Education Specialist and Hawaiian Community Liaison at Haleakala National Park, where her role has given her valuable experience with cultural resource management and section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  She regularly trains and educates National Park Service staff, interns, and volunteers on Hawaiian culture, language, and history.  She also currently serves as the President of the Liholani Village Home Owners Association.  Ms. Duman is a native of Lahaina, where she was raised assisting her grandmother in caring for iwi kupuna at Waineʻe Cemetary and gained generational knowledge of cultural practice, protocol, and respect for iwi.  Her grandmother co-founded Queen Keopuolani's tomb at Waiola Church, and Ms. Duman's fond childhood memories of her grandmother caring for this sacred site and the wisdom passed on to her from her elders regarding death as a natural part of life have informed her important perspective on being comfortable spending time with the remains of those who have passed on.  Ms. Duman has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members, and her thoughtfulness, leadership, and commitment to both learning and teaching will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Bennadette Duman be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Maui and Lanaʻi, based on her deep respect for iwi kupuna, passion for cultural enrichment, and clear objectives regarding uplifting her community.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

HERBERT M. RICHARDS, III, Chair