STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3076

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 571

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 571, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Island Burial Council (Kauai/Niihau)

G.M. No. 571

JOHNETTE KAHALEKAI, 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 Johnette Kahalekai for service on the Island Burial Council (Kauai/Niihau).

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Johnette Kahalekai from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Ms. Kahalekai previously served on the Kauai Island Burial Council for eight years with a term that ended in June 2023. She is a musician and practices the Hawaiian healing arts of Hoʻoponopono, Laʻau Lapaʻau Lomilomi, and Kahuna Ha. Her experience on the Kauai Island Burial Council has deepened her understanding of Hawaiian Land Trust laws, traditional burial customs and practices, and other state laws and policies. Your Committee therefore recommends that Johnette Kahalekai be appointed to the Island Burial Council (Kauai/Niihau) based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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