STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3889

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 641, 642, 703

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. 641, 642, and 703, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Game Management Advisory Commission

G.M. No. 641	ELROY MOLLENA for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 642	RICHARD FURST for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 703	STEPHEN DEWALD for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Elroy Mollena, Richard Furst, and Stephen Dewald for service on the Game Management Advisory Commission.

ELROY MOLLENA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Elroy Mollena from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights Association.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Mollena's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Game Management Advisory Commission as a Molokai member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Mollena is a third generation homesteader who was born and raised on Molokai and grew up practicing a subsistence lifestyle of harvesting food from the land and sea. His father was a supervisor for the Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources and instilled in Mr. Mollena at an early age the importance of protecting, managing, and restoring natural and cultural resources. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Mollena is an active licensed hunter in the State and current member of the Molokai Hunting Club, and has served on the Molokai Community Health Center Board and Molokai Enterprise Community Board. Your Committee finds that Mr. Mollena has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience as a hunter and active Molokai community member will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Game Management Advisory Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Elroy Mollena be appointed to the Game Management Advisory Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

RICHARD FURST

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Richard Furst from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Furst's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Game Management Advisory Commission as an Oahu member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Furst is an active licensed hunter in the State and participates regularly in public hunter volunteer events and hunting community meetings. Mr. Furst is also a current member of the American Institute of Architects Hawaii State Council and previously served as Director for the American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Furst has served as an interim member of the Game Management Advisory Commission and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Furst be appointed to the Game Management Advisory Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

STEPHEN DEWALD

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Stephen Dewald from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Dewald's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Game Management Advisory Commission as a member-at-large. Your Committee notes that Mr. Dewald is a hunter, rancher, and farmer who has run his own company for over thirty years. Previously, Mr. Dewald was an infantry fire team leader in the U.S. Army, where he gained leadership experience and training in safety, emergency response, and field operations. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Dewald provided crucial support to the Oahu Game Bird Rearing‑Release Program under the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Your Committee finds that Mr. Dewald has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in Native Hawaiian hunting traditions and business management will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Game Management Advisory Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Stephen Dewald be appointed to the Game Management Advisory Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication 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