STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3939

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 722, 723

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 722 and 723, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority

G.M. No. 722	GEORGE DEMELLO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 723	SUSAN KUNZ, 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 George DeMello and Susan Kunz for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority.

George Demello

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of George DeMello from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. DeMello's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a public member from the County of Hawaii who is directly assisted by the Authority under Federal Low-Rent Public Housing or Federal Section 8 Tenant-Based Housing Assistance Payments Program. Mr. DeMello is the Owner and Creator/Designer for Hey George Sewing in Hilo, Hawaii, and is an active participant in his community, having served with the Merrie Monarch Festival, Boy Scouts of America, Lanakila Residents Association, and Waiakeawaena Elementary School PTA. Mr. DeMello has served as a member of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors since 2021 and provides leadership, support, dedication, and care as the Board's current Vice Chairperson. Mr. DeMello has also served on the Hawaii Public Housing Authority's Resident Advisory Board and Hilo Evictions Board, assisting the State in giving public housing tenants a voice on the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors. Your Committee therefore recommends that George DeMello be reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

Susan kunz

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Susan Kunz from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kunz's background, knowledge, and prior service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority qualify her for appointment to the Board as a public member from the County of Hawaii. Ms. Kunz is currently the Executive Director of the Big Island Housing Foundation and overseas the management of six affordable multi-family and senior housing properties. Previously, Ms. Kunz served as the Housing Administrator for the County of Hawaii's Office of Housing and Community Development. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kunz has served previous terms on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and her nearly twenty years of experience within the housing spectrum will continue to be a valuable asset to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Susan Kunz be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority based upon her background, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

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

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STANLEY CHANG, Chair