STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3831

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 715, 716, 717, 718, 720, 721

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 715, 716, 717, 718, 720, and 721, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Early Learning Board

 

G.M. No. 715

JONI ONISHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

 

G.M. No. 716

ELAINE YAMASHITA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

 

G.M. No. 717

ALANNA BAUMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

 

G.M. No. 718

LINDSEY HEATHCOCK,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 720

KAU'I BURGESS,

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

 

G.M. No. 721

CHERYL CUDIAMAT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Joni Onishi, Elaine Yamashita, Alanna Bauman, Lindsey Heathcock, Kauʻi Burgess, and Cheryl Cudiamat for service on the Early Learning Board.

 

JONI ONISHI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joni Onishi from the Executive Office on Early Learning and five individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Onishi's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as a member representing the County of Hawaii.  Ms. Onishi is an experienced higher education instructor and administrator, dedicating over thirty-five years of service to the University of Hawaii.  Presently, Ms. Onishi is Professor Emerita at Hawaii Community College.  Previously, Ms. Onishi served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Interim Chancellor, Interim Dean for Career and Technical Education, and as a tenured faculty member.  Further, Ms. Onishi is a decorated educator and she received the 2010 and 2021 Chancellor's Aʻaliʻi Award and the 2004 University of Hawaii Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Onishi is an active member of her community, serving as a board member of the Hawaii Economic Opportunity Council, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, and Crime Stoppers.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Onishi understands the roles and responsibilities of board members and that her extensive experience in higher education teaching and administration will be assets to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Joni Onishi be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

ELAINE YAMASHITA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Elaine Yamashita from the Executive Office on Early Learning and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita's background and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as a member representing the County of Maui.  Ms. Yamashita is an experienced early childhood educator and professional, dedicating nearly twenty years to the University of Hawaii.  Presently, Ms. Yamashita is Professor Emerita at the University of Hawaii Maui College.  Ms. Yamashita served as the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator and as an instructor in Human Services at the University of Hawaii Maui College.  Previously, Ms. Yamashita served as Director and Teacher at Ala Lani Preschool.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Yamashita is an active member of her community, serving as a member of the Hawaii Careers with Young Children Steering Team and Early Care and Education Task Force.  Additionally, Ms. Yamashita served as Chairperson of the Academic Senate at the University of Hawaii Maui College and Vice President of Public Policy for the Hawaiʻi Association for the Education of Young Children State Board.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Yamashita understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her extensive experience as an early childhood learning instructor and professional will be assets to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Elaine Yamashita be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

ALANNA BAUMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alanna Bauman from the Executive Office on Early Learning, Office of the Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, PATCH, Leadership Kauaʻi, and eleven individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bauman's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as a member representing the County of Kauai.  Ms. Bauman is an experienced community relations and early childhood professional, and she presently serves as the Early Childhood Education System Coordinator for the Kauaʻi Planning and Action Alliance and as a Contractor for Early Childhood Action Strategy, where she provides direct services and administrative support to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of children and families in the County of Kauai.  Previously, Ms. Bauman served as the Online Program Coordinator for Leadership Kauaʻi, Development Associate for Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank, and Committee Clerk for the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Bauman is an active member of her community, serving as Treasurer for the Hanalei Initiative and as a Research Volunteer for Sustainable San Mateo.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Bauman understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her experience in early childhood policy, logistics, and administrative and operational support services will be assets to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Alanna Bauman be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her background, knowledge, and desire to serve her community.

 

LINDSEY HEATHCOCK

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lindsey Heathcock from the Executive Office on Early Learning. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Heathcock's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as a member representing the City and County of Honolulu.  Dr. Heathcock is a Pediatrician at Hawaii Pacific Health Community Pediatrics Group and has extensive experience providing direct services that enhance the health, safety, and well-being of children and families.  Dr. Heathcock is a decorated member of the medical community and she received the 2021 Resident Teaching Award and won third place for the Hawaii Pediatric Association Research and Education Foundation Resident Research Project Award.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Heathcock is an active member of her community, serving as Resident/Chief Representative for the John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and Pediatric Education and Development for Students Committee; Volunteer at Casa el Buen Samaritano Diabetes Clinic; and Board Member of Fondren Apartment Ministry Westbury United Methodist Church.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Heathcock understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her experience as a practicing pediatrician will be an asset to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Lindsey Heathcock be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

KAUʻI BURGESS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kauʻi Burgess from the Executive Office on Early Learning, ʻAha Pūnana Leo, Parents and Children Together, Kamehameha Schools, Kūpuna for the Moʻopuna, and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Burgess' knowledge and background qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as an at-large member.  Ms. Burgess is an experienced community relations and government affairs professional focused on serving the Native Hawaiian community.  Previously, Ms. Burgess served as Government Relations Director for Kamehameha Schools.  In her role, Ms. Burgess assisted in the development of early learning programs, including advocacy to expand pre-kindergarten programs statewide, which was achieved through Act 46, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020.  Ms. Burgess also served in additional roles at Kamehameha Schools as an Integrated Strategies Manager and Community Relations Specialist.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Burgess is an active member of her community, serving as Chairperson of the Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi Board of Directors, Vice Chairperson of Hui Mālama o ke Kai Youth Leadership Development Program Board of Directors, and a member of the King Kamehameha Hawaiian Civic Club and the Aloha Stadium Authority (with a term to expire June 30, 2024).  Your Committee notes that Ms. Burgess understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her extensive experience in public policy and community affairs will be assets to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kauʻi Burgess be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service.

 

CHERYL CUDIAMAT

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cheryl Cudiamat from the Executive Office on Early Learning and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cudiamat's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as an at-large member.  Ms. Cudiamat is an experienced executive manager, and she presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Keiki Care Center of Hawaii, Inc., a role she has held for nearly fifteen years.  As Chief Executive Officer and Director, Ms. Cudiamat oversees and manages daily operations for the preschool, including licensing, enrollment, marketing, and fiscal responsibilities.  Additionally, Ms. Cudiamat also serves as President of Structural Hawaii, Inc.; Chief Executive Officer of Structural Builders Hawaii, Inc.; and General Manager of Pono Entertainment, LLC.  In Ms. Cudiamat's other executive management roles, she has demonstrated a wealth of experience to ensure accountability and effective operations.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Cudiamat understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her experience as an executive manager and business and marketing professional will be assets to the Early Learning Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Cheryl Cudiamat be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair