STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2230

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 570, 571, 572

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 570, 571, and 572, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

 

G.M. No. 570

ROBERT WESTERMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 571

ALAPAKI NAHALE-A,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

 

G.M. No. 572

KELLI ACOPAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Robert Westerman, Alapaki Nahale-a, and Kelli Acopan for service on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

 

ROBERT WESTERMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert Westerman from the Hawaii State Fire Council, Maui Fire Council, Kauai Fire Department, and ten individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Westerman is presently retired, but previously served as the Fire Chief for the County of Kauai for over twelve years.  Prior to serving as Fire Chief for the County of Kauai, Mr. Westerman served as the Fire Chief for the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He is an active member of the community, having served as a Board Member for Kauai United Way since 2009, including as President, Vice President, and on the Treasure Committee.  In his personal statement, Mr. Westerman indicated that his previous work experiences as a Fire Chief and in the United States Air Force have provided him with opportunities to make difficult decisions through budget and personnel management and to lead with fairness and strength.  Therefore, your Committee finds that Mr. Westerman's leadership abilities, as well as his willingness to serve, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

 

ALAPAKI NAHALE-A

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alapaki Nahale-a from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, one member of the Hawaii County Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and thirteen individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Nahale-a is presently the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Resources at Kamehameha Schools on Hawaii island.  In the past, Mr. Nahale-a served as the Chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and President and Executive Director of the Hawaii Charter School Network.  He is highly involved in his community, having served on various boards and commissions, and possesses a deep understanding of Native Hawaiian issues.  In his personal statement, Mr. Nahale‑a indicated that his desire to serve on the Board of Regents comes from his love for Hawaii, commitment to public service, and personal belief that the future of Hawaii largely rests on the ability of the University of Hawaii System to deliver on its promise of improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of current and future generations.  Therefore, your Committee finds that Mr. Nahale-a's extensive professional experience, as well as his involvement in the Native Hawaiian community, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

 

KELLI ACOPAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kelli Acopan from the University of Hawaii Student Caucus and eight individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Acopan is presently pursuing a Master's Degree in History at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.  Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Assistant for the Department of History at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and a Program Assistant for TRiO Upward Bound at Windward Community College.  In the past, Ms. Acopan has served as President of the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Windward Community College and as Vice Chair of the University of Hawaii Student Caucus.  According to testimony, Ms. Acopan has consistently demonstrated rational and responsible judgment through her actions representing others.  In her personal statement, Ms. Acopan indicated that her academic journey as a traditional and non-traditional student provides her with a unique and informed perspective to the policymaking and decision-making processes related to the University of Hawaii.  Therefore, your Committee finds that Ms. Acopan's student leadership experience, as well as her commitment to bettering the University of Hawaii, will be great assets to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher 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 Higher Education,

 

 

 

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair