STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1857

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 688

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 688, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Community Development Authority (Pulehunui District)

G.M. No. 688

DEBRA CABEBE, 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 Debra Cabebe for service on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Pulehunui District).

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Debra Cabebe from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Community Development Authority; Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Maui; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; Atlas Insurance Agency; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cabebe's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Pulehunui District). Ms. Cabebe is currently the CEO of Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., where her responsibilities include leading, supporting, and guiding the organization's mission as defined by its Board of Directors; ensuring responsible fiscal management and integrity; serving as the organization's primary spokesperson; and effectuating legislation through written and public testimony and community involvement. Your Committee finds that Ms. Cabebe's qualifications include expertise in strategic planning, program management developments, grants management and compliance, project and fiscal management, and labor and human relations; contract negotiation and compliance and collective bargaining; and broad knowledge and understanding of federal and state nonprofit and employment and discrimination laws and transportation regulations. Your Committee notes that Ms. Cabebe serves her community as a board member of the Association of Farmworkers Opportunity Program, board member and Program Evaluation Chair of the Workforce Investment Board, and board member of Friends of the Children's Justice Center. Your Committee notes that Ms. Cabebe is currently serving as an interim Authority member and supports the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority in fulfilling its responsibilities. Your Committee finds that Ms. Cabebe thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of Authority members and her extensive experience will be an asset to the Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Debra Cabebe be appointed to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Pulehunui District) based on her 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