STAND. COM. REP. NO.1608

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 307

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 307, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

ISLAND BURIAL COUNCIL, ISLAND OF HAWAI'I

GAIL U. KELIIKOA-SHERLOCK, for a term to expire June 30, 2006,

begs leave to report as follows:

Based upon your Committee's evaluation of the testimony received from, and in support of, the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee should be afforded an opportunity to serve the public.

Testimony in support of the nominee was received from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Principal of Kamehameha Schools K-8, Kumu Pono Associates, and three individuals.

Gail U. Keliikoa-Sherlock is the Community Resource Coordinator/Liaison for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs/East Hawaii. She received a BA/LS AJ degree from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools for Girls. She has been and continues to be an officer or board member for several Hawaiian organizations, such as Alu Like, Inc.

Your Committee notes the testimony of the DLNR that the nominee understands the native Hawaiian communities of East Hawaii and the issues that concern them. This includes knowing how to identify those individuals or families that may have an interest in a particular issue or area when burial site matters come before the Council.

Your Committee also notes from the nominee's personal statement that for the past three and one-half years, she has attended meetings of the Hawaii Island Burial Council as a guest and on behalf of OHA. She wants to give back to the community her understanding of culture, heritage, and beliefs and practices in the care and preservation of land and customs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, 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 Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

COLLEEN HANABUSA, Chair