STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1959

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 736

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 736, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation

G.M. No. 736

GRANT CHUN, 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 Grant Chun for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Grant Chun from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Hawaii Housing Finance, LLC; AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaii HomeOwnership Center; Hale Mahaolu; Highridge Costa Development Company; and sixteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Chun's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as a member who serves as a community advocate for low-income housing. Mr. Chun has over twenty years of experience in the housing development industry, dedicating a portion of his career to corporate and residential housing development. Mr. Chun previously served as Executive Director of Hale Mahaolu, an organization dedicated to developing and managing safe, sanitary, and decent housing for low- and moderate-income individuals, families, and seniors in Maui County. Mr. Chun is also an active member of his community, serving a member of the Board of Directors for Young Brothers, LLC; AARP Hawaii Executive Council; Hale Makua; and Maui Chinese Cultural Society. Further, Mr. Chun recently retired after serving as a member of the Board of Education, Hawaii Homeownership Center, and the Federal Judicial Selection Commission. At your Committee's public hearing to consider his nomination, Mr. Chun described his strengths in housing development, particularly for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Additionally, Mr. Chun noted that, as a member of the Board, he will prioritize efficiency in financing for housing developments by ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and becoming involved at all stages of the development process, rather than solely at the financing stage. Mr. Chun further noted that prioritizing funds to revolve into construction will be one method to expeditiously help build housing units statewide. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Chun's experience in low- and moderate-income housing development will be an asset to the Board of Directors. Your Committee therefore recommends that Grant Chun be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

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STANLEY CHANG, Chair