STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1575

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 742

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 742, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

G.M. No. 742

MICHAEL KAHIKINA, for a term to expire 6-30-2019,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and response submitted by the nominee and finds Michael Kahikina to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Association of Hawaiians for Homestead Lands, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Native Hawaiian Learning Center, Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly, Waiehu Kou Phase III Association, Waiohuli Undivided Interest Lessees Association, Waianae Kai Hawaiian Homestead Association, Waiehu Kou IV, Waiohuli Hawaiian Homestead Association, Princess Kahanu Estates Association, Nanakuli Hawaiian Homestead Community Association, Keokea Homestead Farm Lots Association, Kapaakea Homestead Association, Kaupea Homestead Association, Kalawahine Streamside Association, Villages of Lealii Association, Kaimiloa One Alii Homesteaders Community, and thirty-five individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nominee from twelve individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kahikina's background and dedication to public service make him a qualified candidate to serve on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kahikina has twelve years of experience as a member of the State House of Representatives where he chaired the Committee on Housing and Human Services and the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus.  Further, Mr. Kahikina currently is Executive Director of Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Waianae where he manages homeless transitional units and affordable housing units in the Waianae area.  This background gives Mr. Kahikina a unique insight into many of the issues faced by beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair