STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1858

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 683, 684, 685

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 683, 684, and 685, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission

 

G.M. No. 683

MICHELLE PESCAIA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 684

ANELA EVANS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 685

BENTON PANG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Michelle Pescaia, Anela Evans, and Benton Pang for service on the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.

 

MICHELLE PESCAIA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Michelle Pescaia from the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, and thirteen individuals. 

 


     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Michelle Pescaia's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for consideration for reappointment to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission as a member from a list provided by the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana.  Ms. Pescaia has been an Interpretive Park Ranger at the Kalaupapa National Historical Park since March 2014.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Pescaia has a wealth of experience in community programs that teach and develop the Hawaiian language and values.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Pescaia was an active member in professional and community organizations, including the Molokai Island Burial Council from 2009 to 2012, and 2014 to 2018.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Pescaia has served as a member of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission since August 2019, and her knowledge and experience continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Michelle Pescaia be reappointed to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

ANELA EVANS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Anela Evans from the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, and twelve individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Anela Evans' background and desire to serve her community qualify her to be appointed to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission as a member from a list provided by the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Evans is currently the Cultural Practitioner at the Four Seasons Resort on Lānai.  Previously, she was an assistant manager for the Culture and Historic Preservation Division at Pūlama Lānai.  She was also the Volunteer Coordinator for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission from September 2013 to September 2015.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Evans has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her experience, knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, and dedication to public service will enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Anela Evans be appointed to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.


BENTON PANG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Benton Pang from the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, Association of Hawaiian Civil Clubs, and twelve individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Benton Pang's background and desire to serve his community qualify his to be appointed to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission as a member from a list provided by a native Hawaiian organization.   Your Committee notes that Dr. Pang is currently an Invasive Species Team Manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  He has been working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1999.  Previously, Dr. Pang was a Natural Resources Manager for Parsons-UXB, a joint venture company that was contracted to remove unexploded ordnance on Kahoolawe Island.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Pang is an active member in professional and community organizations, including the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Pang has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive background in botany, ethnobotany, and ecological restoration will enhance the effectiveness of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Benton Pang be appointed to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair