SSCR3922

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3922

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 732

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 732, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 732

MICHAEL MIYAHIRA,

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 Michael Miyahira for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Miyahira from the Office of the Governor; one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council; North Kohala Community Resource Center; Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii; Dodo Mortuary, Inc. & Crematory; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Takamine Construction, Inc.; Torkildson Katz, a Law Corporation; Maui Varieties, Ltd.; and fourteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Miyahira's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve as a Regent for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii qualify him to be appointed as a Regent representing Hawaii County pursuant to section 26-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Mr. Miyahira is the owner of Business Strategies, a company that provides consulting services to small and family-owned businesses. Mr. Miyahira also spent over twenty years as a banker with one of Hawaii's largest commercial banks and assisted in creating the bank's Business Banking Division, serving as a Senior Landing Officer. Mr. Miyahira is also an experienced executive manager, serving as Chief Financial Officer in the real property development industry for fifteen years. Additionally, Mr. Miyahira previously served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Business and Economics. Mr. Miyahira is also an active member of his community, serving as a member of the University of Hawaii Shidler Family Business Center of Hawaii and the Center's Big Island Advisory Board; Hawaii Care Choices; Hawaii Island Corrections Advisory Council; and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Business and Economics Advisory Council. Further, Mr. Miyahira also served as Trustee for the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection of the Hawaii Supreme Court and Past President of the National Client Protection Organization, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, and Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

According to Mr. Miyahira at the public hearing on his nomination, the Board of Regents should maximize the strengths of each University of Hawaii campus to ensure growth and development for the diversification of academic programs, increased enrollment, and achievement of student success. Mr. Miyahira cited the University of Hawaii at Hilo and West Oahu campuses as two potential sites that could be leveraged to serve community needs and student populations who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods. Further, Mr. Miyahira is committed to addressing the issue of student housing at the University of Hawaii, citing the image and perception of student housing as a major deciding factor in a prospective student's decision to attend a University of Hawaii campus. Mr. Miyahira noted that student housing should be a safe, clean, secure, and comfortable environment for students to study, socialize, and develop during their college careers.

Additionally, as a financial industry professional, Mr. Miyahira supports focused budget formulation and review to ensure a thorough understanding of university operations and fiscal procedure. Your Committee notes that Mr. Miyahira affirmed that the Board of Regents should consider the various vacancies across the University of Hawaii System and how vacant positions impact campus resources, student support, and operational efficiency. Mr. Miyahira cited his extensive experience and knowledge in finance and private sector management, noting that a thorough understanding of operations is imperative to determining solutions, including fiscal priorities. To accomplish his goals as a Regent, Mr. Miyahira noted that he intends to seek information, ask questions, and find solutions to be a proactive member of the Board of Regents. Mr. Miyahira pledged to be a strong voice on the Board of Regents to ensure progress on pressing university issues. Your Committee notes that Mr. Miyahira emphasized that accountability is of paramount importance and should be utilized for both personal performance and in evaluations of university operations.

Your Committee further finds that Mr. Miyahira's fresh perspective and ideas to ensure effective university operations, board oversight, and fiscal responsibility demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing student health and safety, academic achievement, and diversity within the University of Hawaii System. Your Committee notes that Mr. Miyahira understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and his extensive experience in banking and executive management will be assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Miyahira be appointed to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair