STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4009

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     GOV. MSG. NOS. 740, 741

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 740 and 741, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority

 

G.M. No. 740

MICHELLE NOE NOE WONG-WILSON

for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and

 

G.M. No. 741

RICHARD MATSUDA

for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson and Richard Matsuda for service on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

 

MICHELLE NOE NOE WONG-WILSON

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson from the Governor, Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation, Kalihi-Pālama Hawaiian Civic Club, Hawaiian Council, Maunakea Observatories, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Wong-Wilson's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority qualify her to be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Wong-Wilson's commitment to the care of Mauna Kea began in 2021, when she served on the initial Mauna Kea Working Group that was convened to consider the formation of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Prior to this service, Dr. Wong-Wilson consistently promoted Native Hawaiian rights and supported her local community through her career as an Assistant Professor in Hawaiian Studies at the Hawaii Community College, her service as Executive Director of the Lālākea Foundation, and her founding and co-authoring of ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures.  Dr. Wong-Wilson's work has been recognized with numerous awards, and she has presented prolifically on the topic of Native Hawaiian culture around the world.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Wong-Wilson has participated in countless clubs, foundations, and organizations in addition to serving as First Vice Chair on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority since 2023.  Your Committee believes that Dr. Wong-Wilson's cultural expertise and community advocacy will continue to be assets to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

RICHARD MATSUDA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Richard Matsuda from the Governor; Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority; two members of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation; Hawaii Island Economic Development Board; Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference; Hawaiian Council; Maunakea Observatories; Parker Ranch, Inc.; Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce; and ten individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Matsuda's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority qualify him to be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Matsuda has worked at W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea since 1993, progressing from an Electronics Engineer to the Observatory Director, and is currently responsible for the world-class scientific research carried out by his one hundred thirty employees.  Equally significant is Mr. Matsuda's commitment to community engagement and collaborative leadership, as demonstrated with his long list of memberships with associations in the local community on Hawaii Island.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Matsuda previously served on the Mauna Kea Working Group in 2021 and has served as Second Vice Chair on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority since 2023.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Matsuda's leadership experience and technical expertise will continue to be assets to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Matsuda be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts 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 Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair