STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1718

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, and 555, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

School Facilities Board

 

G.M. No. 548

LAJUAINE SUISO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

 

G.M. No. 549

LAJUAINE SUISO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 550

CHAD FARIAS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 551

ALAN OSHIMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

 

G.M. No. 552

ALAN OSHIMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 553

BETTINA MEHNERT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 554

HAROLD EDWARDS,

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

 

G.M. No. 555

HAROLD EDWARDS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by LaJuaine Suiso, Chad Farias, Alan Oshima, Bettina Mehnert, and Harold Edwards for service on the School Facilities Board.

 

LAJUAINE SUISO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of LaJuaine Suiso from the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Transportation; and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Suiso's expertise, experience, and belief in and commitment to the community and education make her a valuable asset to the School Facilities Board.  Ms. Suiso has devoted more than two decades to education in various roles including as a teacher, career consultant, and program director.  Ms. Suiso has dedicated herself to creating more opportunities for students in the community she grew up in and continues to live.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Suiso developed Seariders Productions as a creative outlet for students at Waianae high school, which introduced a multitude of students to the world of multi-media.  As a result of Ms. Suiso's efforts, Seariders Productions developed state of the art studio facilities and has received numerous awards.  Ms. Suiso has also contributed to many organizations with different areas of concentrations that have made an impact throughout the State.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Suiso be appointed to the School Facilities Board based on her knowledge, vision, commitment, and dedication to education.

 

CHAD FARIAS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Chad Farias from the Governor, Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Honokaa Elementary School, Kau High and Pahala Elementary School, and fourteen individuals.  

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Farias' decision-making skills, experience, fresh perspective, and commitment make him a valuable asset to the School Facilities Board.  Mr. Farias has twenty-eight years of experience working in various roles in education including as a teacher, counselor, activities coordinator, vice-principal, principal, athletics coach, and complex area superintendent.  As the Complex Area Superintendent for Kau, Keaau, and Pohoa, Mr. Farias implemented the State Strategic Plan and brought stability through natural disasters and continued operation of schools in that complex area.  Mr. Farias also volunteered to be the Complex Area Superintendent for Hilo and Waiakea while he was the Complex Area Superintendent for Kau, Keaau, and Pohoa, and successfully managed the two complexes simultaneously.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Farias be appointed to the School Facilities Board based on his positive mindset, knowledge, experience, and dedication to the keiki.

 

ALAN OSHIMA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Alan Oshima from the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Transportation; and six individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oshima's professional background, as well as his dedication and commitment to the interests of Hawaii's public school students, make him a valuable asset to the School Facilities Board.  Mr. Oshima retired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaiian Electric Company.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Oshima has an extensive history of service with organizations and bodies devoted to the benefit of Hawaii's public schools and students, including Hawaii 3Rs, Hawaii Institute of Public Affairs, and the Governor's Every Student Succeeds Act Team.  Mr. Oshima has been recognized by numerous professional and community organizations for his leadership and volunteerism.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Oshima be appointed to the School Facilities Board based on his professional background, as well as his dedication and commitment to the interests of Hawaii's public school students.

 


BETTINA MEHNERT

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Bettina Mehnert from the Governor; Department of Transportation; Architects Hawaii Ltd.; and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Mehnert's education, experience, vision, and leadership skills make her a valuable asset to the School Facilities Board.  Ms. Mehnert is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Architects Hawaii Ltd. and is a visionary and leader in the evolution and innovation in Hawaii's architectural sector.  Ms. Mehnert blends information technology solutions, firm culture, client cultivation, and community service as inseparable filaments of professional leadership.  Taking community service beyond the annual donation and fundraiser template, Ms. Mehnert instituted a one percent pro bono program by which her architectural firm annually donates one percent of its billable hours to a worthy project.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Mehnert be appointed to the School Facilities Board based on her strong leadership history, creative and innovative thinking, and commitment to the community.

 

HAROLD EDWARDS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Harold Edwards from the Governor and Department of Transportation. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Edwards' education, experience, and commitment to the community make him a valuable asset to the School Facilities Board.  Mr. Edwards is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Water Management, Inc., which is involved with design-build water infrastructure construction.  Mr. Edwards was a senior vice president at Molokai Properties, Ltd. for twelve years and was responsible for real estate activities, which included planning, entitlement, design, construction, sale, and warranty.  As a Development Director for the Hawaii Community Development Authority, Mr. Edwards implemented the Authority's affordable housing development program.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Edwards be appointed to the School Facilities Board based on his development experience, expertise in water systems, ability to manage projects and meet goals, and strong leadership skills.

 

     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