STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3863

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 526

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 526, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Registration of the Island of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 526

SHAWN MERRILL, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Shawn Merrill for service on the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaiʻi.

Your Committee received no testimony on the nomination for the appointment of Shawn Merrill.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Merrill's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment to the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaiʻi. Ms. Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the California State University, Sacramento, and a paralegal certificate and an Associate of Arts degree from Skyline College. Ms. Merrill has worked in the legal profession for nearly two decades, starting her career as a paralegal in 2006 at Gibson, Robb, and Lindh, LLP. Since then, Ms. Merrill has also worked as a paralegal at Crudele and Beerman, LLLC, and currently works as a paralegal for the Law Office of Robert P. Marx, LLC. Additionally, Ms. Merrill currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaiʻi, having served since 2017. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Merrill is an active member of other community organizations, including the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Hawaii Section, where she is the President. Additionally, Ms. Merrill serves as a 4-H Leader for Hawaii County and is a member of the Finance Committee of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association. Your Committee therefore recommends that Shawn Merrill be appointed to the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaiʻi based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair