STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3959

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 637

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, and 637, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

 

G.M. No. 572

OLIVIA MANN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 573

JAMIE WHITTLE-WAGNER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 574

CECELIA HOFFMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 575

KU'ULEILANIMEKEALOHAMAU KUPAHU-MARINO KAHOANO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 576

JERALD KEAULANA,

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

 

G.M. No. 637

JAME SCHAEDEL,

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 Olivia Mann, Jamie Whittle-Wagner, Cecelia Hoffman, Kuʻuleilanimekealohamau Kupahu-Marino Kahoano, Jerald Keaulana, and Jame Schaedel for service on the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

 

OLIVIA MANN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Olivia Mann from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; King Kamehameha Celebration Commission; Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors-Māmakakaua; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Mann's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors-Māmakakaua.  Your Committee notes that with over forty years of experience, Ms. Mann was a ukulele instructor at the Royal Hawaiian Center for thirty years, has taught hula at the Hālau Hula O Maiki, and is currently a Kumu Hula at the Royal Hawaiian Center.  Ms. Mann is active in her community as the Director of ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani, a member of the Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors-Māmakakaua, and an active participant in numerous ceremonies and traditions including the commemorative ceremony at King Kamehameha ʻEkahi statue, annual commemorative ceremony and tribute for Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani, and Kahikolu celebration.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Mann has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Olivia Mann be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

JAMIE WHITTLE-WAGNER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jamie Whittle-Wagner from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Whittle-Wagner's experience and knowledge qualify her for reappointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing the island of Maui.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Whittle-Wagner is currently the Scholarship Associate and Community Outreach for Ka Hikina O Ka La where she works to provide scholarships to students residing in Maui Nui that are pursuing a degree in Hawaiian Studies or STEM.  She is also a Cultural Assistant for the Maui Arts and Cultural Center where she assists the Cultural Director and coordinates the Ku Mai Ka Hula Competition.  Prior to her current positions, Ms. Whittle-Wagner was the Registration Module Consultant and Conference Director for Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Halauaola; Rooms Director, Conventions Manager, and Director of Luau for the Royal Lahaina Resort; and Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for the Maui Historical Society, Bailey House Museum.  Ms. Whittle-Wagner is an active member in her community on Maui and currently serves as the Maui Commissioner for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and is a teacher, leader, and dancer for Na Maile Ku Honua.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jamie Whittle-Wagner be reappointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

CECELIA HOFFMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cecelia Hoffman from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hoffman's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing the island of Kauai.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Hoffman is the current Education Director for the Kauaʻi Museum where she assists and coordinates with schools to help them obtain a better knowledge of Kauai leaders.  In addition to her roles at the Kauai Museum, she is Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for the Kauaʻi Adult Education.  Prior to her current positions, Ms. Hoffman was the Hawaiian Culturalist for ʻAha Kūpuna/Kumu Kalāheo where she taught children Hawaiian cultural practices including mele, hula, arts, and crafts.  Through her professional experience, Ms. Hoffman has demonstrated a commitment to educating both local residents and visitors about the history and culture of the State.  Furthermore, Ms. Hoffman is proficient in the Hawaiian language and is dedicated to preserving the language for future generations.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Cecelia Hoffman be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

KUʻULEILANIMEKEALOHAMAU KUPAHU-MARINO KAHOANO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kuʻuleilanimekealohamau Kupahu-Marino Kahoano from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; King Kamehameha Celebration Commission; Marriott Resort Waikiki Beach; and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association.  Your Committee notes that with over thirty years of clinical and community nursing, Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano is currently a Cultural Programming and Lead Instructor at the Salvation Army Women's Way and a Pediatric Intermittent Nurse for Cradles and Crayons Pediatric Nursing.  Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano is the Founder and President of Caring for Hawaiʻi Neonates where she manages the Board and coordinates community development, fundraising, volunteering, and grant support.  Prior to her current positions, Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano worked as a nurse for Navian Hospice, Tripler Army Medical Center, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, Sharpe Mary Birth Women's Hospital, and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.  Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano is an active member in her community with fifty years of volunteerism including over forty years of Kumu Hula and cultural teaching.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kupahu-Marino Kahoano's commitment to cultural competency in health care makes her well qualified for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kuʻuleilanimekealohamau Kupahu-Marino Kahoano be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

JERALD KEAULANA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jerald Keaulana from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Keaulana's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing the Kapahulu Music Club.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Keaulana is currently responsible for the teaching, planning, and designing of Hawaiian language courses at Punahou School, and is a Hawaiian music and dance resource teacher for grades K-12.  With thirty-eight years of experience in education, Mr. Keaulana has had lecturer, educator, and professorship positions at Molokai High and Intermediate School, Washington Intermediate School, Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kalani High School, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Lei Hulu Hula School, and Punahou School.  Mr. Keaulana is an active member in his community and is a Board Member of the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Mary Kawena Pukui Society, Lei O Lanikujonua, and Waihona Mele Noʻeau. Additionally, your Committee notes that Mr. Keaulana has a distinguished publication record with ten published works relating to Hawaiian language and culture and is a native speaker of the Hawaiian language.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jerald Keaulana be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

JAME SCHAEDEL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jame Schaedel from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; King Kamehameha Celebration Commission; and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Schaedel's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a member representing Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Schaedel is a Policy Advisor for the Honolulu City Council.  With over sixteen years of analyst and managerial experience, Mr. Schaedel has worked for the Hawaii House of Representatives, Honolulu City Council, Hawaii Department of Transportation, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.  In addition to working for the State, Mr. Schaedel is a servicemember with the United States Army Reserve and Hawaii Army National Guard.  Mr. Schaedel is an active member in his community and is a Board Member of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, State Legislative Officer for the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Kapolei Hawaiian Civic Club.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Schaedel's dedication to the State of Hawaii qualifies him for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jame Schaedel be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts 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 Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair