STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4010

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 742

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

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority

G.M. No. 742

JOHN KOMEIJI 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 John Komeiji for service on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of John Komeiji from the Governor, Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, Canada‑France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation, Maunakea Observatories, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, and nine individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Komeiji's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority qualify him to be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority as Chairperson. Your Committee notes that Mr. Komeiji accrued years of leadership experience while serving as the General Counsel and Vice President for Kamehameha Schools and President and General Manager for Hawaiian Telecom. Mr. Komeiji is also an attorney and brings decades of litigation experience to the role. During his legal career, he attained the position of senior partner at Watanabe Ing & Komeiji LLP, taught students at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, and was elected President of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association. Mr. Komeiji has also served on numerous boards, including as Vice Chair of the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association, Chair of the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, and Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaiʻi. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Komeiji has served as the Chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority since 2023. Your Committee finds that Mr. Komeiji has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Authority members, and his varied leadership experiences will continue to be assets to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that John Komeiji be reappointed to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment 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