STAND. COM. REP. NO. 676

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 198, 199, 200

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 198, 199, and 200, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

G.M. No. 198

CECILIA K. AKIM,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

G.M. No. 199

PONI ELLIOT KAMAUU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008; and

G.M. No. 200

CASINA K. WATERMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

CECILIA K. AKIM was born and raised in Hawaii. She graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy and attended the University of Hawaii. Ms. Akim has been an active member of the Ahahui Ka'ahumanu since 1966. She has been involved with the Punaluu Community Association for twenty-five years, and the Laie Community Association for fifteen years. Ms. Akim has been a dancer her entire life, and is very proud of Hawaii and her Hawaiian heritage. Ms. Akim has served as an interim commission member representing Ahahui Ka'ahumanu since September 2004.

Your Committee received testimony in support of PONI ELLIOT KAMAUU from the Papakolea Community Development Corporation. Mr. Kamauu is a lifelong Hawaii resident who was educated at Brigham Young University, Hawaii Campus. Mr. Kamauu is dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian culture through sharing traditional hula, chant, and knowledge. He served as the Hawaiian Cultural Teacher (kumu) for two years at the Papakolea After School Program, and is presently the kumu at Halau Kaleihulumamo. He has been employed by the Department of Education as a Hawaiian Studies teacher since 1989. Mr. Kamauu is a member of the Papakolea Homestead Association and Hui Mamakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). He looks forward to carrying on a family tradition of service by representing the Papakolea Homestead Association on the commission.

Your Committee received testimony on behalf of CASINA K. WATERMAN from seven individuals. Ms. Waterman is the president of the Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club and has served as the chair of various committees for the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, as well as the Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club. She is committed to perpetuating Hawaiian culture, music, language, history, education, native rights, historical and cultural sites, and the overall advancement of Native Hawaiians. Ms. Waterman has served as a commission member representing the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs since July 2000.

Your Committee finds that these nominees possess a strong commitment to the Native Hawaiian community as well as an understanding of the cultural values unique to Hawaii. Further, these nominees are dedicated to perpetuating and educating others in the history of Hawaii's first monarch. As such, these nominees are well qualified to serve on the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology that is 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 Media, Arts, Science, and Technology,

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair