SSCR3940

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3940

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 724, 725

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 Nos. 724 and 725, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Civil Rights Commission

G.M. No. 724

JON MATSUOKA,

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

G.M. No. 725

ARSIMA MULLER,

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 Jon Matsuoka and Arsima Muller for service on the Civil Rights Commission.

JON MATSUOKA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jon Matsuoka from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Matsuoka's background and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Civil Rights Commission. Presently, Dr. Matsuoka serves as Executive Director of Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. Previously, Dr. Matsuoka served as Dean and Professor of the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Hawaiʻi Tokai International College. Dr. Matsuoka holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work and Psychology degree from the University of Michigan. Your Committee notes that Dr. Matsuoka is an active member of his community, serving as Chairperson of Hawaii Living Treasures and the Global Commission on Social Work; Vice President of the Papakolea Community Development Corporation; and member of the Institute of Native Pacific Education and Culture Board of Directors, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation Board of Directors, and Project Dana Advisory Board. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Matsuoka has been a member of the Civil Rights Commission since 2019, and his experience in higher education teaching and administration and social work will be assets to the Civil Rights Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jon Matsuoka be appointed to the Civil Rights Commission based on his background, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

ARSIMA MULLER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Arsima Muller from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Muller's background and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Civil Rights Commission. Presently, Ms. Muller is a Partner at Carlsmith Ball LLLP, where she represents clients in corporate and regulatory matters and serves as Chairperson of the Transactional Practice Group. Previously, Ms. Muller served as Staff Attorney and Judicial Law Clerk for the Republic of the Marshall Islands High Court, Assistant Legal Adviser for the Republic of the Marshall Islands Embassy, and as an Attorney at Homer Law. Ms. Muller holds a Juris Doctorate from George Washington University Law School. Your Committee notes that Ms. Muller is an active member of her community, serving as Director of Micronesian Health Advisory Council, Hoʻomaka Hou Learning Center, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, and We Are Oceania; and as a volunteer for the Access to Justice Room. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Muller has been a member of the Civil Rights Commission since 2022, and her background as a practicing attorney and commitment to Pacific Islander populations will be assets to the Civil Rights Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Arsima Muller be appointed to the Civil Rights Commission based on her background, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair