STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1976

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 516, 769

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 516 and 769, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Boxing Commission of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 516	FALANIKO VITALE, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 769	JOEL KIM, 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 Falaniko Vitale and Joel Kim for service on the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii.

FALANIKO VITALE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Falaniko Vitale from the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii, ILWU International – Hawaii, ILWU Local 142, and numerous individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Vitale's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii (Commission) as a public member. For over a decade, Mr. Vitale was a professional mixed martial arts fighter who completed, cornered, trained, and promoted for big shows around the world, representing Hawaii. Your Committee notes that Mr. Vitale is currently a longshoreman with Pasha Hawaii and also has a diverse work history as an equipment operator, roofing supervisor, foreman, and demolitions supervisor. Your Committee notes that Mr. Vitale has served as an interim member of the Commission since 2024, and as a decorated mixed martial artist with decades of high-level competitive experience, Mr. Vitale possesses an exceptional understanding of the industry that makes him uniquely qualified to serve on the Commission. Your Committee finds that Mr. Vitale has thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of commissioners and his diverse background and knowledge of combat sports will be an invaluable addition to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Falaniko Vitale be appointed to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii based on his knowledge, background, and experience in the industry.

JOEL KIM

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joel Kim from the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kim's experience, background, and proven leadership on the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii (Commission) qualify him for appointment to the Commission as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kim has over forty years of diverse experience in boxing, including as an amateur and professional boxing coach and club owner, and previously served as the Vice President and Chief of Officials for the Hawaii Chapter of USA Boxing, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Kim worked as a secondary social studies and history teacher. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kim has served a prior term on the Commission, is currently serving as a holdover member, and his experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joel Kim be appointed to the State Boxing Commission of Hawaii based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair