STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2151

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 712, 713, 714

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 712, 713, and 714, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

 

G.M. No. 712

PAULINE NAMUO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 713

DENNIS NEVES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021; and

 

G.M. No. 714

PATRICIA TERUYA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the resumes and statements submitted by Pauline Namuo, Dennis Neves, and Patricia Teruya for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

PAULINE NAMUO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Pauline Namuo from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Oahu County Democrats, and eleven individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Namuo's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission representing the City and County of Honolulu.  Prior to her retirement in 2002, Ms. Namuo held various positions in government service, including with the State Judiciary, as a Legislative Coordinator for the Office of the Governor, and as Deputy Director of Administration for the Department of Public Safety, where her responsibilities included human resources for the 2,300-person Department, legislative services, and assisting with the Department's $140 million budget.  Since her retirement, Ms. Namuo has remained active in the Native Hawaiian community, particularly through her work with Ahahui Kaahumanu, Chapter 1, where she has held leadership positions including President and Vice President.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Namuo has served as an interim member of the Hawaiian Homes Commission since September 2018 where she has shown herself to be an attentive listener to community concerns and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Namuo be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving her community. 

 

DENNIS NEVES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dennis Neves from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Pono Kai Resort Owners Association, and six individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Neves' background and experience qualify him for nomination for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission as a representative of the County of Kauai.  Mr. Neves' career at San Francisco International Airport reflects continuing and increasing responsibilities and his final position as Terminal Systems Manager involved project management and contracting responsibilities.  After his return to Hawaii, Mr. Neves held the position of Airport District Manager for Kauai Airports where he coordinated airport daily activities with the Transportation Security Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and Federal Aviation Administration.  Mr. Neves held that position until his retirement and is now a homesteader who lives in Anahola, Kauai.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Neves' experience with complex organizations and project management will provide valuable insight to the Commission.  Furthermore, your Committee finds that Mr. Neves' experience of moving away from Hawaii for work for a number of years before returning is common in the Hawaiian community and Mr. Neves will represent those with a similar experience on the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Neves be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to the Hawaiian community. 

 

PATRICIA TERUYA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Patricia Teruya from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a member of the State House of Representatives, two members of the Honolulu City Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, Oahu County Democrats, and eleven individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Teruya's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission representing the City and County of Honolulu.  Prior to her retirement, Ms. Teruya held several positions in local government, including with the City and County of Honolulu Mayor's Office, Neighborhood Commission Office, and City Council.  Ms. Teruya is also dedicated to community service and has over twenty-four years of service with the Neighborhood Board system as well as being an active member of Hawaii's Native Community Coalition and the Nanakuli Hawaiian Homestead Association, and serving as President of the Waianae Coast Community Foundation.  In her role as a member of the Nanakuli Hawaiian Homestead Association, Ms. Teruya engages with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at community meetings, Hawaiian Homes Commission meetings, and beneficiary consultations.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Teruya will bring valuable insights to the Commission from her vast experience as a community leader, her first hand experiences as a homesteader engaging with the Commission, and her history of translating community concerns into tangible actions.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Teruya be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and history of community leadership. 

 

     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