STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3382

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 584, 585, 600

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 584, 585, and 600, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 584	SAUMALU MATAAFA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027;
G.M. No. 585	FAITH KAHELE SAITO, for a term to expire 06-30-2027. (Nominee's name amended to FAITH KAHALE SAITO by GM688); and
G.M. No. 600	JUSTIN KEONI SOUZA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Saumalu Mataafa, Faith Kahale Saito, and Justin Keoni Souza for service on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission.

SAUMALU MATAAFA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Saumalu Mataafa from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Mataafa's experience, background, and dedication to serving the public qualifies him for reappointment to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Currently, Mr. Mataafa serves on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission managing the restorative operation for Kahoʻolawe's island reserve. In addition to his four years of service on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Mr. Mataafa possesses extensive experience as a legislative researcher and analyst for the county of Maui, addressing the affordable housing shortage on Maui, the decriminalization of drug use, and Maui transportation policies. Mr. Mataafa's commitment to the community will continue to be an asset to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Saumalu Mataafa be reappointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

FAITH KAHALE SAITO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Faith Kahale Saito from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and ten individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Saito's background and dedication to serving the public qualifies her for appointment to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Currently, Ms. Saito is a Native Hawaiian counselor at the Honolulu Community College. Your Committee notes that Ms. Saito previously served on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission as a Cultural Resources Project Coordinator from 2009 to 2012, managing the cultural resources on the island. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Saito has been with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana since her first trip to the island in 2002. Your Committee finds that Ms. Saito thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of commissioners and her experience with Protect Kahoʻolawe Ohana will enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Faith Kahale Saito be appointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JUSTIN KEONI SOUZA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Justin Keoni Souza from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission; Hoʻomana Pono, LLC; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Souza's background and dedication to serving the public qualifies him for appointment to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Mr. Souza has served as a Trustee-At-Large on the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since 2022. Mr. Souza is dedicated to advancing Native Hawaiian rights and possesses a multi-faceted background in music, real estate, and community service and has contributed significantly to the preservation of Hawaiian music and culture. Your Committee finds that Mr. Souza thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of commissioners and his extensive and diverse experiences will enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Justin Keoni Souza be appointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve 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 Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair