STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1893

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 622

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 622, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Correctional Industries Advisory Committee

G.M. No. 622

DONNY UTU, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Donny Utu for service on the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Donny Utu from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; IATSE Local 665; and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Utu's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee as a member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Utu currently serves as the Field Services Officer within the Outreach Section of the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA), where he has worked since 2013. Mr. Utu has spent over a decade protecting and advancing the rights and benefits of government employees. Mr. Utu has a wealth of experience in both union representation and case management, and his extensive experience as a union agent for HGEA, as well as his background in mental health services, demonstrates his dedication to fair treatment in the workplace and his commitment to the rehabilitation and community reintegration of incarcerated people who are transitioning back into society. Your Committee therefore recommends that Donny Utu be appointed to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee based on his insight, skill, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs 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 Public Safety and Military Affairs,

____________________________

BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair