STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1975

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 694

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. 694, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision

G.M. No. 694

SAIFOLOI AGANON, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Saifoloi Aganon for service on the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Saifoloi Aganon from the Judiciary and thirteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Aganon's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision as Compact Administrator. Your Committee notes that Mr. Aganon currently serves as the Social Services Manager for the Adult Client Services Branch of the First Circuit. He has been a Licensed Social Worker since 2014 and holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Mr. Aganon has over a decade of experience in various capacities, including Probation Officer, Social Worker, and Administrator, demonstrating his deep commitment to serving the community and working collaboratively with the wide spectrum of those who are a part of the justice-involved population. Mr. Aganon has a proven track record of spearheading innovation in the judiciary system, including creating a novel virtual initiative with the Smithsonian Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic for clients to complete their probation hours and implementing the first Women's Court in the State utilizing Native Hawaiian cultural practices. He is also active in his community as a member of Halau Na Mamo o Puʻuanahulu, organizing fundraisers, volunteering in rainforest preservation, and internationally traveling to perpetuate and share Hawaiian culture through hula. Mr. Aganon's experience handling high-risk cases, coordinating with other jurisdictions, and navigating the legal requirements of offender supervision will be valuable assets to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Saifoloi Aganon be appointed to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision as Compact Administrator based on his knowledge and understanding of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, innovative approaches, including restorative justice, and extensive professional experience in the fields of social work and criminal justice.

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