STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3982

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 768

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 768, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants

G.M. No. 768

KEVIN NAKAMURA for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kevin Nakamura for service on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kevin Nakamura from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Nakamura's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants as a member who is from the private sector interested in the field of water pollution control. Your Committee notes that Mr. Nakamura has nearly three decades of experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator and supervisor, and has been working as an Operations Superintendent for the Schofield Barracks Wastewater Treatment Plant at Aqua Engineers, Inc. since 2020, where he is responsible for the overall management of the wastewater system, including reviewing operational logs and facilitating staff coordination and decision-making on the wastewater system operational budget, project prioritization, scheduling and coordination of capital improvement projects, and coordination of plant mechanical and electrical subcontractors. Previously, Mr. Nakamura served as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Department of Health, safeguarding public health through prevention, abatement, and control of noise pollution in the State. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Nakamura has served on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants for multiple terms and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee finds that Mr. Nakamura's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kevin Nakamura be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair