STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3690

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 625, 743, 744, 777

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 625, 743, 744, and 777, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Island Burial Council, Island Of Oahu

 

G.M. No. 625

CHARLES MITCHELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 743

NORMAN CACERES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 744

NORMAN CACERES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020; and

 

G.M. No. 777

BEVERLY AMARAL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2017,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

CHARLES MITCHELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Charles Mitchell from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hoomana Pono, LLC; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination for appointment from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Mitchell is a practicing Cultural Anthropologist who has been involved with preserving iwi kūpuna since he was a child and has demonstrated his dedication to preserving iwi kūpuna throughout his life.  Mr. Mitchell has a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and a Master's degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge from Te Wānanga O Aotearoa Universities, Hamilton, New Zealand.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Mitchell has developed knowledge and experience relating to the State Historic Preservation Division burials program as a Project Director and Cultural Advisor for Cultural Surveys Hawaii.  Your Committee therefore finds that Mr. Mitchell's dedication to preserving iwi kūpuna, and his professional and personal experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu, representing the geographic region of Waianae.

 

NORMAN CACERES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Norman Caceres from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Cultural Surveys Hawaii, Inc.; The Taubman Company; and twelve individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Caceres's professional experience and background qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu, representing the geographic region of Ewa.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Caceres is currently employed by Oiwi Cultural Resources as a Cultural Monitor Assistant Manager, and in this position he has worked on facilitating proper treatment and protection of human skeletal remains.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Caceres's experience in working with iwi kūpuna will continue to be a valuable asset to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu.

 

BEVERLY AMARAL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Beverly Amaral from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Amaral has worked in real estate sales and property management for more than twenty years.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Amaral has expressed a strong interest in the issues faced by the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu, and understands the importance of balancing Native Hawaiian issues and contemporary Hawaii life.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Amaral's experience in real property transactions and her commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oahu, representing landowners and developers.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair