STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1195

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 518

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 518, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Defense

 

G.M. No. 518

COLONEL KENNETH HARA,

for a term to expire 12-3-2018,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Colonel Kenneth Hara to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Defense.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Colonel Hara from the Governor; Department of Budget and Finance; Hawaii Emergency Management Agency; Department of Transportation; Veterans Advisory Board; Hawaii Army National Guard; Hawaii National Guard; Hawaii Wing, Civil Air Patrol; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and thirty-five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Colonel Hara's background and extensive military experience qualify him for appointment as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Defense.  Colonel Hara has extensive military and leadership experience, having more than thirty years of military service, including three combat deployments.  He has served as a Battalion Commander, Deputy G3 of the Hawaii Army National Guard, and Deputy Commander and Commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.  Since 2013, he has served as the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Hawaii National Guard where he is responsible for developing, implementing, and communicating Hawaii National Guard policies; managing the Hawaii National Guard Joint Staff; advising the Adjutant General regarding Hawaii National Guard training, missions, and functions; collaborating with intergovernmental groups and government officials on emergency management matters; and assisting with strategic communications strategy, plans, and executions. 

 

     Colonel Hara received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Hawaii Pacific University and a Master's degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.  He has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Hawaii National Guard Association Field Grade Officer of the Year.  Colonel Hara has been active in the Hawaii Pacific University Alumni Association, United States Army War College Alumni Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and Hawaii National Guard Association.

 

     Testimony in support of Colonel Hara's nomination indicates that he is admired and respected by those who know and work with him.  He is described by colleagues and friends as an honest, fair, and intelligent leader who is keenly aware of the challenges that face the State and as someone who can be counted on to provide the right decisions at the right time.  Since his January appointment as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Defense, he has already demonstrated an ability to build systems and bring a sense of order to the Department.  Colonel Hara has the experience, knowledge, and demeanor to assist the Adjutant General in leading the Department.

 

     Your Committee finds that Colonel Hara has outstanding credentials and has demonstrated a high level of understanding of the State's military, security, and emergency management needs.  His years of military service, accomplishments, and leadership experience indicate that he is prepared to lead and support the Adjutant General.  Colonel Hara is exceptionally qualified to serve as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Defense.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair