STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3887

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 738

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. 738, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission

G.M. No. 738

KAIPULAUMAKANIOLONO KEALA for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala for service on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala from the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Keala's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission as a Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Keala currently works as an Assistant Professor at the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies while completing his Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of English. Mr. Keala has contributed many articles to scholarly publications, composed various mele, and been invited to speak and present at domestic and international conferences. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Keala is an active member in his community and has served since 2003 with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana as a moʻolono and kua, and since 2021 with the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Cultural Working Group as a Hui Manamana Board Member. Your Committee finds that Mr. Keala has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and his extensive expertise in Native Hawaiian cultural practices and understanding of the historical and political movements of Kahoʻolawe will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala be appointed to the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve 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