STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3934

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 804, 805

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 804 and 805, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 804	MARIE LADERTA for a term to expire 06-30-2031; and
G.M. No. 805	KEITH AMEMIYA for a term to expire 06-30-2031,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Marie Laderta and Keith Amemiya for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

MARIE LADERTA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Marie Laderta from nine individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Laderta's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Regents as a member representing and residing in the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Ms. Laderta has worked as a public servant since 1998 and currently works as a member of the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, applying her risk management and legal compliance expertise to workers' compensation cases. Previously, Ms. Laderta served the State as the Chief Adjudicator of the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office, Director of the Department of Human Resources and Development, and Deputy Director of the Department of Taxation. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Laderta is an active member in her community and serves as a volunteer attorney with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii's Re-Employment and Community Service Work Program. Your Committee finds that Ms. Laderta has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in law, labor relations, and government operations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Regents. Your Committee therefore recommends that Marie Laderta be appointed to the Board of Regents based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

KEITH AMEMIYA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Keith Amemiya from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Stadium Authority; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Iron Workers Stabilization Fund; and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Amemiya's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Regents as a member representing and residing in the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Mr. Amemiya has been a leading professional in the State's legal, financial, and education sectors for over twenty-eight years and currently works as the Senior Vice President of Community Relations at Central Pacific Bank, where he regularly collaborates with various University of Hawaii programs. Previously, Mr. Amemiya was the Executive Director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association from 1998 to 2010, and also worked as the Executive Administrator and Secretary to the Board of Regents. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Amemiya is an active member of his community and serves as Chair of the Governor's Sports Task Force. Mr. Amemiya also previously served on the Board of Education. Your Committee finds that Mr. Amemiya has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in public service, education systems, and financial services will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Regents. Your Committee therefore recommends that Keith Amemiya be appointed to the Board of Regents based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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 Education,

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair