STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3138

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 526

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 526, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu

 

G.M. No. 526

THOMAS SHIRAI, JR.,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Thomas Shirai, Jr., to possess the requisite commitment, sincerity, dedication, and qualifications to be nominated to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Thomas Shirai, Jr., from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Aukahi, and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Shirai served in the United States Coast Guard from 1981 to 1990.  For his service, he received the United States Coast Guard Medal, Commendation Medal, and Commandant's Letter of Commendation.  Mr. Shirai is an active member of his community and currently serves on the North Shore Neighborhood Board 27 and as a Cultural Advisor for the Mokuleia Community Association.  He currently serves on the Kaena Point Advisory Group as a Cultural Delegate and previously served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Native Hawaiian Historic Preservation Council; and the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu.  He is a staunch advocate for the protection of iwi kupuna and will be a valuable asset to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu, as the Waialua regional representative. 

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs 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 Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair