STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3775

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 723, 740

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 723 and 740, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

 

G.M. No. 723

ZACHARY HELM,

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

 

G.M. No. 740

DAVID KAAPU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Zachary Helm and David Kaapu for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

ZACHARY HELM

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Zachary Helm from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Hoomanapono Political Action Committee; Hoomana Pono, LLC; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds Mr. Helm's managerial experience and years of experience in public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Helm has thirty years of experience working with the Department of Parks and Recreation for the County of Maui.  Mr. Helm served most of his tenure at the Department of Parks and Recreation as the District Supervisor III of the Molokai District, where he was responsible for the operations and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, equipment, and recreation programs.  Mr. Helm has proven his leadership as the Deputy Director for the Department of Parks and Recreation of the County of Maui.  He is also active in the community, serving on various boards such as the Kalamaula Hawaiian Homestead Association, Friendly Isle United Way, Molokai Catholic Community Council, and Molokai Little League Association.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Helm's years of experience in the public sector and his familiarity with preparing and maintaining budgets and expenditures will make him an ideal candidate for the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

DAVID KAAPU

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of David Kaapu from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Hoomanapono Political Action Committee; Hoomana Pono, LLC; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kaapu's background in law and proven experience on the Hawaiian Homes Commission qualify him to be reappointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaapu is an attorney who specializes in quiet title; business law; wills, trusts, and general litigation; and land use.  Mr. Kaapu has been a Commissioner of the Hawaiian Homes Commission for four years, where he utilized his legal knowledge to assist the Commission to make well-informed decisions on various matters.  Mr. Kaapu has also served on a number of boards, such as the Hawaii State Bar Association, Friends of NELHA, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, and Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Kaapu's dedication to the community and background and knowledge in law will make him an asset to the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

     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