STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1909

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 774, 776

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 774 and 776, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Education

G.M. No. 774	WESLEY LO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 776	SYLVIA LEE, 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 Wesley Lo and Sylvia Lee for service on the Board of Education.

WESLEY LO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Wesley Lo from the Department of Education; Healthcare Association of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Pacific Health; Ohana Pacific Health; Bowers and Kubota, Inc.; and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lo's experience and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Education as an at-large member. Mr. Lo has over twenty-five years of executive experience, dedicating his career to health care management. Presently, Mr. Lo serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ohana Pacific Health and Hale Makua Health Services. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lo has served on the Board of Education since 2024, where he currently serves as Chairperson of the Human Resources Committee and as a member of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee. At your Committee's public hearing to consider his nomination, Mr. Lo described his strengths in human resources, organizational management, and financial management to ensure greater accountability for the Department of Education. In his tenure as a member of the Board of Education, Mr. Lo recognizes the pressing need for clarity regarding facilities management, including delineation of specific agency responsibilities and personnel recruitment. Additionally, Mr. Lo noted the importance of prioritizing student achievement, transportation, information technology advancements, and fulfillment of goals in the Department of Education's strategic plan. During his next term, Mr. Lo is committed to ensuring students, teachers, and staff can achieve their highest potential through programs such as career and technical education and professional development to ensure teacher retention. Your Committee therefore recommends that Wesley Lo be reappointed to the Board of Education based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

SYLVIA LEE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sylvia Lee from the Department of Education and eighteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lee's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Board of Education as a member representing the County of Hawaii. Ms. Lee is an experienced education professional and dedicated over forty years to the Department of Education in various teaching and school administration roles before retiring in 2013. Ms. Lee previously served as District Specialist in a Project Manager capacity for the United States Department of Education Race-to-the-Top Competitive Grant and as Principal for Mountain View Elementary School. At your Committee's public hearing to consider her nomination, Ms. Lee stated she is committed to cultivating partnerships with the Legislature, Department of Education, and the private sector to maximize student success. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Lee understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her background as a former licensed teacher and educational administrator within the Department of Education will be assets to the Board of Education. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sylvia Lee be appointed to the Board of Education based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair