STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1883

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 420, 523

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 420 and 523, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau

G.M. No. 420	BARBARA JEAN SAY, for a term to expire 6-30-2011; and
G.M. No. 523	LEIANA P. ROBINSON, for a term to expire 6-30-2011,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements by the nominees, and finds Barbara Jean Say and Leiana P. Robinson to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

     Testimony in support of Barbara Jean Say's nomination was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai‘i Nei.

     Ms. Say is retired and has been nominated to serve a second term on the Island Burial Council as the Hanalei District representative.  She has lived in Hanalei for most of her life, and as a kanaka maoli, she is very familiar with the Hawaiian cultural practices of the district of Hanalei.  Furthermore, she was involved in caring for the kupuna iwi long before the burials program was established.  Ms. Say's demonstrated commitment to care for the iwi and wealth of knowledge and experience in Hawaiian culture makes her an invaluable asset to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

     Testimony in support of Leiana P. Robinson's nomination was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Ms. Robinson was born in Puuwai, Ni‘ihau, and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.  She is currently employed at Ni‘ihau Ranch, LLC, but has previously worked at Ni‘ihau Helicopters, Inc.; Ni‘ihau Island Community; Ni‘ihau Aloha, LLC; and Ni‘ihau Island School.  She is an active member of the Ni‘ihau Island Church.  She has been nominated to serve a second term on the Island Burial Council as Ni‘ihau's regional representative.  Her demonstrated commitment and interest in the activities of the Council and her extensive knowledge of the Ni‘ihau culture makes Ms. Robinson an invaluable asset to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau for a second term.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs 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 Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair