STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1570

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 813, 815, 816

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 813, 815, and 816, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Land Use Commission

G.M. No. 813	ARNOLD K.H. WONG, for a term to expire 6-30-2018;
G.M. No. 815	KENT M. HIRANAGA, for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and
G.M. No. 816	LINDA ESTES, for a term to expire 6-30-2017,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Arnold K.H. Wong, Kent M. Hiranaga, and Linda Estes to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Land Use Commission.

ARNOLD K.H. WONG

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Arnold K.H. Wong from the State Land Use Commission; Hawaii LECET; ILWU Local 142; Carpet, Linoleum and Soft Tile Union 1926 Market Recovery Trust Fund; Hawaii Tapers Market Recovery Trust Fund; Painting Industry of Hawaii Labor Management Cooperation Trust Fund; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 50; Hawaii Government Employees Association; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Masters, Mates & Pilots Union; Hawaii State Teachers Association; and seven individuals.

     Arnold K.H. Wong received a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from the Hawaii Pacific University and a Management Certificate from the Wharton School of Business.  He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii.

     The nominee is the Director of Government Affairs for the Ironworkers Union Stabilization Fund, Local 625.  He has experience as a Government Grants Manager for The Nature Conservancy.  He is currently a Trustee for the Ironworkers Union Trust Fund.

     While serving as an Interim Land Use Commissioner, Mr. Wong was elected as Vice Chair and has become a proven leader on the Commission.  According to testimony, Mr. Wong acts with decorum and respect during proceedings, while still applying himself to the issue at hand, and is diligent and focused.

     Mr. Wong believes that his main role as a Commissioner is to follow and uphold the public trust doctrine and protect our natural resources, which includes protecting and preserving what little of our conservation lands we have and our watersheds.  He would ensure that all sides are given a fair opportunity to present their opinions, case, and information to the Commission and, as such, review and take in all positions fairly and with equal respect before making a decision.

KENT M. HIRANAGA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Kent M. Hiranaga from the State Land Use Commission; Department of Planning, County Of Maui; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Tanaka Engineers Inc.; Kaanapali Beach Hotel; Maui County Farm Bureau; ILWU Local 142; and nine individuals.

     Kent M. Hiranaga attended Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He is currently with Maui Kai Realty in Paia, Maui.

     Mr. Hiranaga has been serving on the Land Use Commission and the Maui Cost of Government Commission since 2014.  He has served as a member of the Maui Planning Commission, Maui Board of Water Supply, and Maui Board of Variances and Appeals.

     According to testimony, Mr. Hiranaga has been an Interim Commissioner for several months and has shown himself to be a valuable and thoughtful Commissioner.  With deep roots in the Maui community, he has been a good advocate for Maui and is well aware of the implications of the decisions of the Land Use Commission.  His experience on the Planning Commission for Maui also provides insights into Maui County needs and requirements and what planned growth means for the counties in relation to state policy.

     Mr. Hiranaga believes that Hawaii is a very special place in this world and that its resources, including prime agricultural lands, must be carefully managed, preserved, and protected.  Being a member of the Land Use Commission provides him with a means to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of Hawaii's residents.

LINDA ESTES

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Linda Estes from the State Land Use Commission and seven individuals.

     Linda Estes received a Master of Science degree in Public Administration, a Master of Arts degree in Recreation Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of New Mexico.  She is retired from the University of New Mexico where she was the Associate Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for twenty-five years.  She moved to Koloa upon retirement.  Ms. Estes received numerous awards in New Mexico for her involvement in collegiate sports, including the naming of the Linda Estes University of New Mexico Tennis Complex in 2009.

     Ms. Estes believes that her role as a Commissioner is to be informed, fair, and unbiased in the land use decisions she would be making.  She has no preconceived ideas or opinions and seeks to be well-informed, conscientious, and productive.

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

____________________________

LAURA H. THIELEN, Chair