STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2006

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 663, 670

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 663 and 670, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Commission on the Status of Women

G.M. No. 663	STACEY MONIZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and
G.M. No. 670	EDITH NEUMILLER, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Stacey Moniz and Edith Neumiller for service on the Commission on the Status of Women.

STACEY MONIZ

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Stacey Moniz from one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Stacey Moniz from two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Moniz's experience, background, and proven leadership qualify her for reappointment to the Commission on the Status of Women as a member from Maui County. Your Committee notes that Ms. Moniz has a thirty-eight-year career in nonprofit organizational and business management, including as Executive Director of the Maui Farm, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and programs for women in transition as a result of domestic violence. She previously served as the Executive Director of Women Helping Women, an organization working with victims of domestic abuse. During Ms. Moniz's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about women's empowerment, mainly in the field of domestic violence, including providing training, community organizing, and expert testimony. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Moniz has served on the Commission on the Status of Women since 2019. Ms. Moniz's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee therefore recommends that Stacey Moniz be reappointed to the Commission on the Status of Women based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

EDITH NEUMILLER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Edith Neumiller from the Zonta Club of Hilo and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Edith Neumiller from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Neumiller's experience, background, and proven leadership qualify her for reappointment to the Commission on the Status of Women as a member from Kauai County. Your Committee notes that Ms. Neumiller has been an appointed member of the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women since 2013, and has participated in various programs and events, including the Human Trafficking Forum, Women's History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Equal Pay Proclamation, Denim Day Proclamation, and Career Day. During Ms. Neumiller's appointment, she has gained broad experience and knowledge in women's issues and has attended four annual conferences of the National Association of Commission for Women. Over the course of Ms. Neumiller's service, she has championed bringing awareness to human trafficking and other issues affecting women and girls in Hawai‘i. Ms. Neumiller's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee therefore recommends that Edith Neumiller be reappointed to the Commission on the Status of Women based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair