STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4007

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 766, 767

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. 766 and 767, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Land Use Commission

G.M. No. 766	MELVIN KAHELE for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 767	MYLES MIYASATO 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 Melvin Kahele and Myles Miyasato for service on the Land Use Commission.

MELVIN KAHELE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Melvin Kahele from the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Land Use Commission; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3, AFL-CIO; Avalon Development Company; D.R. Horton Hawaii; Onipaʻa Consulting Group LLC; Sapolu Law Office; Iron Workers Stabilization Fund; and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kahele's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify him to be reappointed to the Land Use Commission as an at-large member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kahele has accumulated decades of experience in workforce advocacy, labor leadership, and public service through his work as a legislative lobbyist for the Ironworkers Union, Local 625, Stabilization Fund; past President and Principal Executive Officer of the Teamsters Union, Local 996; and former board member of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Preceding these roles, Mr. Kahele completed military service overseas and recorded twenty-five years with The Gas Company, where he gained firsthand experience in workforce operations and labor relations. In addition to leadership positions and memberships with many labor-related and community organizations, your Committee further notes that Mr. Kahele has served on the Land Use Commission since 2022. Your Committee finds that Mr. Kahele's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Melvin Kahele be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

MYLES MIYASATO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Myles Miyasato from the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Land Use Commission; Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; Operating Engineers Local 3, AFL-CIO; Avalon Development Company; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Miyasato's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Land Use Commission qualify him to be reappointed to the Land Use Commission as an at-large member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Miyasato brings extensive experience in workforce development and labor relations, including seventeen years with the Hawaii Operating Engineers Stabilization Fund, from which he retired as Executive Director. Mr. Miyasato also spent fourteen years as a heavy equipment operator and foreman across four islands of the State, gaining practical understanding of how land use decisions affect local communities and workers. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Miyasato served as Chair of the County Cost of Government Commission in Hawaii County and Chair of the East Hawaii Planning Commission and has served as an at-large member of the Land Use Commission since 2024. Your Committee finds that Mr. Miyasato's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Land Use Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Myles Miyasato be reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment 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