STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4006

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 769, 770

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. 769 and 770, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

G.M. No. 769	PATRICK BRANCO for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 770	C. MAKANANI SALA for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Patrick Branco and C. Makanani Sala for service on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

PATRICK BRANCO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Patrick Branco from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts; Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1186, AFL-CIO; and fifteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Branco's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a City and County of Honolulu member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Branco has cultivated cross-cultural relationships through his diplomatic work for the federal government at embassies in Colombia, Venezuela, and Pakistan. While serving as Cultural Affairs Attaché at the United States Embassy in Caracas, Mr. Branco supported cultural initiatives, including art exhibitions, artist exchanges, and public programs that promoted dialogue and connection across communities. Mr. Branco is an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve and supports the United States Pacific Fleet as an Operations Manager, ensuring the accountability for and execution of a contract valued above $7,000,000. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Branco's former experience representing Hawaii House of Representatives District 50 provided him with a strong understanding of public policy, governance, and the legislative process. Your Committee finds that Mr. Branco has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and his extensive experience in navigating partnerships and leveraging resources, federally and on the state-level, will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Your Committee therefore recommends that Patrick Branco be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

C. MAKANANI SALA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of C. Makanani Sala from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Office of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Royal Hawaiian Center, The Hawaiʻi Pacific Foundation, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and eleven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Sala's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a City and County of Honolulu member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Sala serves as a trustee on the governing board of Creative West, a multi-state regional arts organization that administers public and philanthropic arts funding, and as Chief Executive Officer for Gravitas Pasifika, LLC, a boutique consulting and cultural production firm that advances Native Hawaiian and Pacific-centered initiatives. Previously, Ms. Sala oversaw the art and culture portfolio for the City and County of Honolulu as Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts, where she coordinated interagency cultural policy and administered public art processes. In addition to her professional experiences, Ms. Sala informs her work in public policy and governance through a solid grounding in long-term cultural practices and place-based knowledge, as evidenced by her achievement of Kumu Hula ʻŪniki ʻAilolo and Hoʻopaʻa ʻŪniki ʻAilolo. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Sala has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and her expertise in cultural governance, history, and Native Hawaiian practices will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Your Committee therefore recommends that C. Makanani Sala be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts based on her knowledge, background, and dedication 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