STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1588

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 782, 783, 784

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 782, 783, and 784, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Education

 

G.M. No. 782

HUBERT P. MINN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018;

 

G.M. No. 783

LANCE A. MIZUMOTO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018; and

 

G.M. No. 784

MARGARET COX,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Hubert P. Minn, Lance A. Mizumoto, and Margaret Cox to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Education.

 

HUBERT P. MINN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Hubert P. Minn from the Hui for Excellence in Education and twenty-four individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination of Hubert P. Minn from two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Hubert P. Minn's experience as an educator and in education policy qualify him for appointment to the Board of Education.  Mr. Minn is a mentor in the Department of Education's Central District Mentor Program.  He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from California State University at Northridge and a Professional Diploma in Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Mr. Minn was Deputy Director of the Department of Customer Service for the City and County of Honolulu from 2007 to 2008 and 2010 to 2011, Deputy Director of the Department of Enterprise Services for the City and County of Honolulu from 2007-2009, and was previously a social studies teacher.  Mr. Minn served on the Hawaii State Board of Education from 1974 to 1980, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Board members.  He has received a number of awards for excellence in education including Outstanding Teacher from the Hawaii Quality Schools Network in 2002 and Hawaii Teacher of the Year Award in 1993.

 

     Your Committee notes from Mr. Minn's personal statement that he wishes to serve on the Board because he embraces the opportunity to improve Hawaii's public school system.  He sees himself as experienced in management and education, a collaborative team member, and fair decision maker.  Mr. Minn views contract negotiations as a major function of the Board, has had experience negotiating agreements with the Hawaii State Teachers Association and Hawaii Government Employees Association, and is confident in his ability to make similar contributions in the future.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Minn has been appointed to the Board of Education as the member representing the City and County of Honolulu based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

LANCE A. MIZUMOTO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Lance A. Mizumoto from Hui for Excellence in Education; Building Industry Association of Hawaii; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and thirty-four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination of Lance A. Mizumoto from two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Lance A. Mizumoto's management experience and desire to strengthen public education in Hawaii qualify him for appointment to the Board of Education.  Mr. Mizumoto is the President and Chief Banking Officer at Central Pacific Bank.  He was also Central Pacific Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer from 2012 to 2014 and Executive Vice President and Commercial Banking Division Manager from 2005 to 2011.  Mr. Mizumoto holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master of Business Administration degree from Chaminade University.  Mr. Mizumoto is a Chamber of Commerce board member and Chaminade University Board of Regents member.

 

     Your Committee notes from Mr. Mizumoto's personal statement that he hopes to improve the public school system by empowering school principals and holding them accountable for their school budgets.  He would also like to emphasize leadership development at the school level and minimize bureaucracy within the Department of Education.  Mr. Mizumoto sees his capacity to be a team player, provide leadership, and build consensus as beneficial qualities he will bring to the Board.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Mizumoto has been appointed to the Board of Education as an at-large member based on his expertise in management and desire to give back to Hawaii's public schools.

 

MARGARET COX

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Margaret Cox from the Hui for Excellence in Education and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination of Margaret Cox from two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Margaret Cox's experience as a teacher, administrator, and former Board of Education member qualify her for appointment to the Board of Education.  Ms. Cox was first elected to the State Board of Education in 2004 and served until 2011 when the Board transitioned to an appointed Board.  During that time, she served as Chairperson of the K-12 Regular Education Committee and as a member or designee in a number of other capacities.  Her previous time on the Board has given her a deep understanding of the role and responsibilities of a board member.  Previously, she was a school principal responsible for opening King Kaumualii Elementary School in 1990 and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in 2000.  Ms. Cox also has twenty years' experience as a secondary school science teacher.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, Professional Certificate in Secondary Physical Science, and Professional School Administrator Certificate.

 

     Your Committee notes from Ms. Cox's personal statement that she is proud of her service to Hawaii's public schools and is eager to continue working to improve them.  She feels her experience working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels give her a broad perspective on school issues.  Ms. Cox feels that public input on Board business is valuable and finds it important to provide opportunities for the Board to hear public concerns.  Ms. Cox's rich experience in classroom instruction, educational administration, and education policy make her a prime candidate for membership on the Board of Education.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Cox has been appointed to the Board of Education as the member representing Kauai County based on her commitment to public schools and her drive to improve education for all Hawaii students.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair