STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1998

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 771, 772

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. 771 and 772, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 771	KEN KAWAHARA for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 772	KEN KAWAHARA 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 Ken Kawahara for service on the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Ken Kawahara from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Kai Hawaii, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Rural Water Association; Oahu Transit Services, Inc.; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kawahara's experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service qualify him to be nominated for appointment and reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (Board of Directors) as a member from the business sector. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kawahara is a licensed professional engineer who is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Akinaka & Associates, Ltd., an engineering firm, where his responsibilities include the firm's principal project management, facilities planning, marketing, business development, and strategic planning. Before joining the firm, Mr. Kawahara served as the First Deputy to the Chairperson of the Commission on Water Resource Management from 2007 to 2010, and as the Acting Regulatory Control Branch Chief for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services from 1997 to 2007. Mr. Kawahara is also an active member of his community, currently serving as a board member of ʻAhahui Koa Anuenue and Oahu Transit Services, Inc., and member of the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council and University of Hawaii College of Engineering's Dean's Council, Homecoming Committee, and Annual Banquet Committee. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kawahara has been serving as an interim member of the Board of Directors since May 2024, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Mr. Kawahara's professional knowledge and extensive experience as an executive officer in both private and public sectors and as a member of various boards of directors will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Directors. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ken Kawahara be appointed and reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University 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 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,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair