STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3940

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 639, 640

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. 639 and 640, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Commission on Water Resource Management

G.M. No. 639	MOSES HAIA III for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 640	JUANITA REYHER-COLON 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 Moses Haia III and Juanita Reyher-Colon for service on the Commission on Water Resource Management.

MOSES HAIA III

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Moses Haia III from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, and eighteen individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Moses Haia III from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Haia's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment as an at-large member to the Commission on Water Resource Management. During the course of Mr. Haia's career as an attorney, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about water resource management and protection. Your Committee notes that Mr. Haia served for ten years as the Executive Director for the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation where he supervised and directed the work of his staff to litigate and advocate for Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights, Hawaiian Home Lands Trust issues, land title, and water rights. In previous positions as staff attorney for the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council and Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Mr. Haia represented individuals in significant water law proceedings. Mr. Haia has also cultivated a long history of professional associations, serving as a board member for the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Native American Rights Fund, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and Hawaiʻi Veterans Memorial Fund. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Haia III has served as an interim member of the Commission on Water Resource Management since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Moses Haia III be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

JUANITA REYHER-COLON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Juanita Reyher-Colon from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; one member of the Maui County Council; Akinaka & Associates, Ltd.; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Water Service; Pural Water Specialty Co., Inc.; and fifteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Reyher-Colon's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment as an at-large member to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Ms. Reyher-Colon's career demonstrates constant commitment to water resource management, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. As Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Rural Water Association, Ms. Reyher-Colon provides technical, managerial, and financial assistance to rural and undeserved water and wastewater systems across the State. Previously, she worked for over ten years as General Manager of the Kawela Plantation Homeowners' Association where she oversaw the operations and regulatory adherence of its water system. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Reyher-Colon participates in a number of local and national capacities, having served on the Maui County Board of Water Supply and American Water Works Association and continuing to serve as an active member of the East Molokai Watershed Partnership and President of the American Backflow Prevention Association-Hawaiʻi Chapter. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Reyher-Colon has served as an interim member of the Commission on Water Resource Management since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Juanita Reyher-Colon be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on her knowledge, experience, 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