STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1567

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 836, 837, 838

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 836, 837, and 838, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council

 

G.M. No. 836

JUDITH LEMUS,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 837

WAYNE TANAKA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and

 

G.M. No. 838

WAYNE TANAKA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Judith Lemus and Wayne Tanaka to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.

 

JUDITH LEMUS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Judith Lemus from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, and Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club.

 

     Judith Lemus received a Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California and Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology from the University of California Los Angeles.  She is currently with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa as an Associate Specialist and Associate Director.  Dr. Lemus has an extensive background in marine biology.

 

     In her written response to the questionnaire, Ms. Lemus responded, "As a member of the faculty at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, I have been asked to serve on the [Kaneohe Bay Regional Council] to represent the perspective of the scientists and educators at the primary academic research facility in Kaneohe Bay. Because I feel it is important for current scientific understanding to be considered in the implementation of the Kaneohe Bay Master Plan, I am happy to serve in this role on behalf of [the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology]."

 

WAYNE TANAKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Wayne Tanaka from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and two individuals.

 

     Wayne Tanaka received a Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from Harvey Mudd College.  He is currently with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a Public Policy Advocate.  He advocates for policies that support the betterment of Native Hawaiians in the areas of environmental resources, traditional and cultural practices, ceded lands, and related topics.  Mr. Tanaka has experience with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, as a Marine Law Fellow.

 

     In his written response to the questionnaire, Mr. Tanaka responded, "I believe that my legal training and public policy background with respect to both Native Hawaiian interests and marine resource management will allow me to assist the Council in carrying out its statutory functions and responsibilities, including its responsibility as a state body to protect and enforce the traditional and customary rights of Native Hawaiians."  In addition, Mr. Tanaka stated that, "As a long-time resident of Kāneohe, I have spent much of my life fishing and recreating within Kāneohe Bay.  I feel that my familiarity with the bay and the various activities occurring within it will provide me with additional insight. . ."

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

LAURA H. THIELEN, Chair