STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3886

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 651

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 No. 651, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

G.M. No. 651

ZACHARY BANTOLINA for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Zachary Bantolina for service on the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Zachary Bantolina from the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Bantolina's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as a Royal Order of Kamehameha I member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Bantolina has been applying his Doctorate of Architecture and expertise in Native Hawaiian cultural practices to his current role as a Hawaiian architectural and cultural advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Architecture since 2015, while simultaneously teaching industrial design to students of Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama Middle School. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Bantolina is an active member in his community, as shown by his decades long involvement with both the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and Ka Pā Hula Hawaiʻi. Your Committee finds that Mr. Bantolina has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in Native Hawaiian culture will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Zachary Bantolina be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair