STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3834

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 639

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. 639, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau

G.M. No. 639

WAYNE HARADA JR., for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Wayne Harada Jr. for service on the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Wayne Harada Jr. from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Harada Jr.'s background and dedication to serving the Native Hawaiian community qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as a member. Mr. Harada Jr. is currently an educator at the Kanuikapono Public Charter School Luna Hoʻokele ʻIke Hawaiʻi where his responsibilities include planning and implementing culturally relevant units of Hawaiian culture and traditions, instructing Hawaiian studies and language using a project based learning approach, implementing indigenous Hawaiian culture in all aspects of learning and teaching, and planning and implementing community engagement events deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Your Committee notes that Mr. Harada Jr. is a traditional Hawaiian practitioner of hula, fishing, and farming, and speaks the Hawaiian language. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Harada Jr. thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of Council members and his knowledge of traditional Hawaiian culture and practices will be an asset to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Your Committee therefore recommends that Wayne Harada Jr. be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau based on his 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