STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3951

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 665

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 No. 665, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

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

G.M. No. 665

JOSEPH VICK, 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 Joseph Vick for service on the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.

Your Committee received no testimony on the nomination for the appointment of Joseph Vick.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Vick's background, experience, and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission. Mr. Vick has owned My Bar Kona since November 1, 2013, and in his more than ten years of ownership he has grown the business into a central hub for the LGBTQ+ community on the island of Hawaii. Mr. Vick has transformed My Bar Kona into a neighborhood safe space and works to ensure that it remains a positive and safe environment for everyone in his community, but especially members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to his experience as a small business owner, Mr. Vick co-created Kona Pride with his husband, which is a nonprofit dedicated to hosting annual pride parties. Each year, Kona Pride executes three-day weekend events at numerous locations throughout Kailua-Kona, most recently having more than nine events at multiple locations. Your Committee believes that Joseph Vick will bring extensive leadership, experience, and a strong desire to serve his community to the Commission and therefore recommends that he be appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair