STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3835

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 634

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 634, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System

G.M. No. 634

DARLENE BLAKENEY for a term to expire 01-01-2032,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Darlene Blakeney for service on the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Darlene Blakeney from the Employees' Retirement System, one member of the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System, Le Jardin Academy, Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Blakeney's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System (Board) as a member who is a citizen of the State with at least three years of experience providing financial services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Blakeney has over twenty-five years of executive leadership experience in banking and financial management, and currently works as an Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for First Hawaiian Bank and Chief Executive Officer for First Hawaiian Leasing, Inc., where she oversees the Bank's lending portfolios, guides strategic growth, and ensures prudent risk management. Previously, Ms. Blakeney was the Director of Finance and Operations for the Hanahauʻoli School and held various positions at Bank of Hawaii where she has been entrusted with stewarding complex financial matters, overseeing risk through multiple economic cycles, and making decisions that balance near-term performance with long-term sustainability, aligning well with the perspective and discipline required of a public pension fiduciary. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Blakeney is an active member in her community and serves on the Board of Trustees of Le Jardin Academy and the Blood Bank of Hawaii and the Board of Directors of the Bishop Museum. Your Committee finds that Ms. Blakeney has been serving as an interim member of the Board since January 1, 2026, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Blakeney's extensive experience in executive leadership in banking and financial management will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Darlene Blakeney be appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology 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 Labor and Technology,

____________________________

BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair