SSCR2005

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2005

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 600, 601

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 600 and 601, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 600

LAUREL LOO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and

G.M. No. 601

ABIGAIL MAWAE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Laurel Loo and Abigail Mawae for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

LAUREL LOO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Laurel Loo from the Contractors Association of Kaua‘i and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Loo's knowledge, background, and desire to serve the University of Hawaii community qualify her for appointment to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii as a member representing and residing in the County of Kauai. Ms. Loo holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. As a student, Ms. Loo was active in the University community, serving as Editor in Chief of Ka Leo O Hawaii and Business Editor of the University of Hawaii Law Review. Currently, Ms. Loo is a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP and serves as a Per Diem Judge for the District Court and Family Court of the Fifth Circuit. Ms. Loo is also a professionally trained mediator and has conducted mediations in the areas of business and family law. As an attorney, Ms. Loo has provided governance training to government and private boards and commissions and has supported increased transparency of the Board of Regents as an interim member of the Board, a position she has held since the beginning of 2023. Ms. Loo has also served as a member in a number of professional and community organizations, including serving as the former Director of the Hawaii State Bar Association. Your Committee therefore recommends that Laurel Loo be appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii based on her proven leadership, experience, and commitment to serving the public.

ABIGAIL MAWAE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Abigail Mawae from ‘Ahahui o Hawai‘i and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Mawae's background, experience, and dedication to the University of Hawaii community qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii as a member representing University of Hawaii students. Ms. Mawae graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor of Arts in Communicology and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate at the William S. Richardson School of Law. As an undergraduate, Ms. Mawae competed on the Women's Swimming and Diving Team, was awarded Mountain Pacific Sports Federation All-Academic Team Member in 2021, and served as Captain of the University of Hawaii Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Your Committee notes that Ms. Mawae has served as an interim member of the Board of Regents since November 2022, and her advocacy on behalf of student-athletes and Native Hawaiian students will continue to contribute vital perspectives to the Board of Regents' efforts to address student welfare and further the University's commitment to being a Native Hawaiian place of learning. Your Committee therefore recommends that Abigail Mawae be appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii based on her advocacy and passion for serving the student community.

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

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair