STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3865

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 527, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664

 

 

 

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 Nos. 527, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, and 664, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission

 

G.M. No. 527

SANDY HARJO-LIVINGSTON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 659

KATHLEEN O'DELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 660

MICHAEL GOLOJUCH, JR.,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 661

SHANDA LEWIS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 662

RICHARD VELASQUEZ,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 663

PHILLIP STEINBACHER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028. (Nominee's name amended to PHILIP STEINBACHER by GM692); and

 

G.M. No. 664

JOE TOLBE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Sandy Harjo-Livingston; Kathleen O'Dell; Michael Golojuch, Jr.; Shanda Lewis; Richard Velasquez; Philip Steinbacher; and Joe Tolbe for service on the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.

 

     Your Committee notes that the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus, or LGBTQ+, Commission is a newly created commission established by Act 41, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, and that these nominees, plus an eighth nominee to be considered later, will form the inaugural Commission.  The law establishing the Commission made findings about its purpose, including that there is a need to establish a body to improve the State's interface with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus community; to identify the short- and long-range needs of its members; and to ensure that there is an effective means of researching, planning, and advocating for the equity of this population in all aspects of state government.  Your Committee believes that these nominees, who are representatives from all of the counties and the Department of Health's Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup and who bring their distinct viewpoints from the LGBTQ+ community, are well-suited to perform their duties.

 

SANDY HARJO-LIVINGSTON

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sandy Harjo-Livingston from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Harjo-Livingston's experience, background, and desire to serve their community qualify them for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Dr. Harjo-Livingston holds a Doctorate in Political Theory and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen, a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from Mississippi College.  During their academic career, Dr. Harjo-Livingston taught a wide array of courses, including international political economy, international relations and postcolonialism, political theory and communications, public policy, and gender studies.  In addition to their work in academia, Dr. Harjo-Livingston has worked on numerous films and television programs, serving as a writer or director on more than twenty productions while also working as an assignments desk news manager, site producer, and digital reporter for KHON2.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Harjo-Livingston is an active member in their community, as they currently sit on the advisory board for the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation and is a board member of Hawaiʻi Women in Filmmaking.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Sandy Harjo-Livingston be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on their background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

KATHLEEN O'DELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kathleen O'Dell from Kailua United Methodist Church and eleven individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. O'Dell's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Dr. O'Dell holds a Doctorate of Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University with a concentration in multicultural and international early childhood education.  Dr. O'Dell also holds a Master of Arts in teaching from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts in international political science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.  Dr. O'Dell currently works as a support network coordinator for ʻOhana Family and a curriculum developer and instructor for University of Hawaiʻi Windward Community College.  Previously, Dr. O'Dell worked as a complex academic officer at the Kailua-Kalāheo Complex for the Department of Education and was an instructor and research assistant at Kent State University.  Your Committee also notes that Dr. O'Dell is an active member of her community, having served as preschool parish staff relations liaison at Kailua United Methodist Church, Co-Chair of the Hawaiʻi State ʻOhana Family Support Network, district coordinator of the Rotary International Convention, and as a member and Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International for more than a decade.  Your Committee believes that Dr. O'Dell's experience in education and commitment to serving her community will be invaluable to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kathleen O'Dell be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and desire to serve her community.

 

MICHAEL GOLOJUCH, JR.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Golojuch, Jr. from the Office of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; one member of the Honolulu City Council; IATSE Local 665; Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; Democratic Party of Hawaii Labor Caucus; Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center; Hawaii State Teachers Association; Women's Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50, Painters Local Union 1791; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Rainbow Family 808; and twenty-five individuals.  

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Michael Golojuch, Jr.'s background, extensive experience, and commitment to the LGBTQT+ community qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Mr. Golojuch holds a Bachelor's of Business Science and Hospitality Management from the University of San Francisco.  Mr. Golojuch currently works as a private consultant, providing advice on the legislative process and advocacy, office management, and personnel management.  Previously, Mr. Golojuch worked as a private secretary to the Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources Development.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Golojuch is an active member of his community and has extensive experience in public service.  Mr. Golojuch presently serves as Communications Chair of the Labor Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Chair of the Stonewall Caucus and the Caucus' Representative to the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Vice President of Hawaiʻi State AFL-CIO, and Acting President of Pride at Work Hawaiʻi.  Additionally, Mr. Golojuch has served as a safety net committee member of Aloha United Way, blood drive coordinator for the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi, Assistant Secretary for the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Co-Chair for the Kapolei City Lights Electrical Parade, and Chair of Honolulu Pride for five years.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Golojuch, Jr. be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on his background, knowledge, experience, and desire to serve his community.

 

SHANDA LEWIS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shanda Lewis from the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lewis' experience, background, and desire to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community qualify her for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Ms. Lewis holds a Masters in Nursing from California State University, a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from National University, and a Bachelors of Science in Genetics from the University of California at Davis.  Ms. Lewis is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse in the State and currently works as Site Director and a family nurse practitioner at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, where she develops and implements a program focusing on transgender, lesbian, bisexual, and gay patients to offer gender affirming hormone therapy and care, as well as improve healthcare to the LGBTQ+ population and reduce healthcare disparities.  Your Committee notes that at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Ms. Lewis also educates her colleagues, staff, and trainees on the unique health needs of the transgender population.  Additionally, testimony submitted on behalf of the nominee notes that Ms. Lewis possesses an unwavering dedication to her profession and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.  Your Committee further finds that before working at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Ms. Lewis worked as a family nurse practitioner for the Lavender Clinic and was a RN III at the Madera Community Hospital.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shanda Lewis be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on her experience, background, and desire to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

RICHARD VELASQUEZ

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Richard Velasquez from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Velasquez's experience, background, and desire to serve qualifies him for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Mr. Velasquez graduated from Indiana University where he earned a Master's Degree in Social Work.  Additionally, Mr. Velasquez holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Ball State University.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Velasquez has dedicated much of his professional career helping veterans.  Mr. Velasquez started his career at the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1983 as a social worker at VAMC Marion in Marion, Indiana, and continued in various positions including call center manager, administrative program specialist, program specialist, homeless program coordinator, and administrative officer for research, and most recently he worked as a lead patient advocate.  After retiring from more than thirty years of service at the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2019, Mr. Velasquez continued to work as a medical social worker at the Adventist Health Castle Medical Center until 2023.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Velasquez be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on his background, knowledge, and desire to serve.

 

PHILIP STEINBACHER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Philip Steinbacher from seven individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Steinbacher's professional experience, background, and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Mr. Steinbacher graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1994, where he earned a Master of Arts in elementary education, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Steinbacher has more than forty years of experience in education, advocacy, music, entertainment, and writing, during which he has worked with children, adults, and people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.  Mr. Steinbacher began his career in 1981 as an entertainer, staging assistant, special services coordinator, and department assistant for the Walt Disney World Co. in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.  Currently, Mr. Steinbacher works as a creative entrepreneur and he volunteers for the Trevor Project, the nation's leading LGBTQ+ youth crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization.  As a creative entrepreneur, he founded and sponsored the Hawaiʻi Technology Academy's Spectrum Alliance and wrote, produced, and edited Garden Island Tea, an informational digital newsletter for the LGBTQ+ community on Kauaʻi.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Steinbacher has dedicated much of his professional career to education, as he previously served as the Fine Arts Department Head, Choral Director, and was a teacher at Island School on Kauaʻi from 2006 to 2020.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Philip Steinbacher be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission based on his background, knowledge, and professional experience.

 

JOE TOLBE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joe Tolbe from four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tolbe's experience, background, and strong commitment to community service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.  Mr. Tolbe began his volunteering and community service nearly four decades ago as a board member of the San Francisco Pride Parade in 1985, where he organized annual gay pride parades in the city.  Additionally, Mr. Tolbe volunteered for the Arcadia Body Building Society and for the Community United Against Violence.  Mr. Tolbe also served as a facilitator for BRIDGES Maui in 1992, where he provided a safe space for LGBTQI+ youth and teens.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Tolbe has been actively volunteering for Aloha Maui Pride since 2014, where he helps organize "gay brunch" the first Sunday of each month, creates and organizes monthly gay dining out and hiking events, and fundraises for annual pride events.  Mr. Tolbe also presently volunteers for Lei of Aloha for World Peace, where he is a member of a core group of volunteers who help to weave a mile long ti leaf lei to deliver to places affected by violence.  Mr. Tolbe began volunteering for Lei of Aloha for World Peace in response to the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where forty-nine people were killed, and has travelled personally to present the lei with Hawaiian protocol and grieve and heal with the people affected by the violence.  Your Committee finds that Joe Tolbe's experience, background, and dedication to serving his community will be advantageous and therefore recommends that he be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.

 

     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