STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3935

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 695, 802

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 695 and 802, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 695	MICHAEL NEDBAL for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 802	DAVID KARL 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 Michael Nedbal and David Karl for service on the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii.

MICHAEL NEDBAL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Nedbal from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Nedbal's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii as a non‑University research appointee. Your Committee notes that Dr. Nedbal has been a senior operations and security executive for over twenty-five years and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics. Dr. Nedbal currently works at Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc., where he serves as Vice President of Operations and was previously an Operations Coordinator and Operations Analyst supporting government-funded research and classified programs. Through his private sector experience, Dr. Nedbal has developed board-level expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, and research operations. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Nedbal is an active member in his profession and serves as President of the Industrial Security Awareness Council. Your Committee finds that Dr. Nedbal has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in federal funding compliance requirements, contracts, and organizational stewardship will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Nedbal be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

DAVID KARL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of David Karl from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Karl's experience, knowledge, and commitment to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii as a University of Hawaii System research faculty member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Karl earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography from the University of California San Diego in 1978, then joined the University of Hawaii's faculty as an Assistant Professor of Oceanography. Dr. Karl currently works as a Professor of Oceanography and Co-Director of the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education. During Dr. Karl's forty-eight years with the University, he has served as the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator for over eighty research and training grants totaling more than $150 million and participated in over seventy major oceanographic cruises. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Karl has served on the Board of Directors since 2020, including a one-year term as its Chairperson. Your Committee finds that Dr. Karl's experience and knowledge of coalition building, resource stewardship, and guiding impactful research programs will continue to be assets to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. Your Committee therefore recommends that David Karl be reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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 Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair