STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1997

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 764, 765, 766

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 764, 765, and 766, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service

G.M. No. 764	KYLIE ALARCON for a term to expire 06-30-2028;
G.M. No. 765	RAY GALAS for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 766	SANDRA LARSEN for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kylie Alarcon, Ray Galas, and Sandra Larsen for service on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

KYLIE ALARCON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kylie Alarcon from three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Alarcon's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service (Commission) qualify her for appointment as a member between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer service program. Your Committee notes that Ms. Alarcon is currently a student and peer advisor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she advises students in basic degree requirements and educational and potential career goals. Ms. Alarcon is active in her community and has been serving as the President and Advisor of the University of Hawaii Red Cross Club and as a committee member of the American Red Cross Youth Club Program since 2020. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Alarcon has coordinated multiple blood drives for the Blood Bank of Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Alarcon thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of commission members and her experience and knowledge will be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kylie Alarcon be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

RAY GALAS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ray Galas from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Galas' experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service (Commission) qualify him for appointment as a member with experience in promoting involvement of older adults in service and volunteerism. Your Committee notes that Mr. Galas possesses an exceptional public service record of close to forty years, and is currently a member of the Guggenheim-Centinel Hawaiʻi Resident Advisory Board, representing Fort Shafter. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Galas has previously served on the Board of Private Detectives and Guards from 2012 to 2020, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members. Your Committee believes that Mr. Galas' experience and knowledge will be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ray Galas be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

SANDRA LARSEN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sandra Larsen from four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Larsen's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service (Commission) qualify her for appointment as a member representing business. Your Committee notes that Ms. Larsen has twenty years of executive management and legal experience in Hawaii. She is currently the President and Market Business Leader at AES Hawaii and Vice President of Legal, Regulatory, and Government Affairs at Young Brothers, LLC. Ms. Larsen is active in her community, and a frequent participant in service projects, serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and American Red Cross of Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Larsen thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of commission members and her experience and knowledge will be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sandra Larsen be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education 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 Higher Education,

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair