STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1967

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 783, 762

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 Nos. 783 and 762, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 783	BENTON PANG, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 762	JENSEN CHOCK, 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 Benton Pang and Jensen Chock for service on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission.

BENTON PANG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Benton Pang from Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Koʻolau Foundation, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Moanalua Gardens Foundation Hawaiʻi, Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, and eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Pang's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Commission as a member representing a Native Hawaiian organization. Your Committee notes that Mr. Pang has been a supervisory biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1999 where his responsibilities include the management of biological resources with a focus on conservation and restoration. Mr. Pang is active in his community and has served in several positions with the Oʻahu Council for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, including as its President from 2020-2022. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Pang has served on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission since 2021. Mr. Pang's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Benton Pang be reappointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JENSEN CHOCK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jenson Chock from the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, Protect Kahoʻolawe Maui ʻOhana, Tamba Surf Company, and thirty-one individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Chock's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission as a member representing Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Your Committee notes that Mr. Chock is currently an educator at Kamehameha Schools where he develops and implements Hawaiian language lessons and experiences for students. Mr. Chock is active in his community and has been a member of Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana since 2000. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Chock thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of commission members and his experience, knowledge, and deep connection to Kahoʻolawe will be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jensen Chock be appointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair