STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3810

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 674

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 674, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Civil Rights Commission

G.M. No. 674

ALPHONSO BRAGGS 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 Alphonso Braggs for service on the Civil Rights Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alphonso Braggs from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Education; Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission; Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC; African American Lawyers Association; Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu; Hawaiʻi Coalition for Civil Rights; and twenty‑two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Bragg's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Civil Rights Commission as the Chair. During the course of Mr. Braggs' career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about social justice advocacy and the preservation of civil and human rights. Your Committee notes that Mr. Braggs has worked as a Civil Rights Compliance Specialist with the Department of Education since 2024 where his comprehensive knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws aids him in conducting impartial investigations into complaints of discrimination and workshops and training for departmental personnel. From January 2021 to October 2023, Mr. Braggs worked as Senior Management Analyst at Navy Region Hawaii where he managed a $5.6 million Budget Execution Plan and assisted with annual budget development. From May 2007 to November 2009, he worked as a Secretary and Administrative Assistant to the Group Manager at the Internal Revenue Service where he was responsible for payroll processing, day-to-day correspondence, records and files maintenance and management, supply inventory and requisition, staff meeting minutes and calendar, and office reception. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Braggs is an active member of his community and, in 2006, served as a Homeless Services Coordinator with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii where he managed a short-term government contract to coordinate homeless legal services and clinics for homeless and at-risk clients a community agencies using volunteer attorneys. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Braggs has served as the Interim Chair of the Civil Rights Commission since July 1, 2025, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Alphonso Braggs be appointed to the Civil Rights Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair