STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3603

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 748, 749

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 748 and 749, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board Of Regents Of The University Of Hawaii

 

G.M. No. 748

BRANDON MARC HIGA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2018; and

 

G.M. No. 749

MICHELLE TAGORDA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

BRANDON MARC HIGA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Brandon Marc Higa from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, Kalāualani Native Hawaiian Council, Ashford and Wriston, and eight individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Higa's education, experience, and background qualify him for appointment to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii as a student member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Higa's outstanding work as a Grants Development Specialist at the Kapiolani Community College has earned him praise from his colleagues and peers.  Your Committee also notes that the dean of the William S. Richardson School of Law, where Mr. Higa is currently a student, has personally recognized Mr. Higa's leadership and commitment to the University of Hawaii and its students.  Your Committee therefore finds that Mr. Higa has demonstrated his dedication to public service and the University, and he will be a valuable addition to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii as the Student Regent.

 

MICHELLE TAGORDA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michelle Tagorda from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights; Nursing Advocates and Mentors; National Federation of Filipino American Associations; Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training; Pamantasan Council; Filipino American Citizens League; Filipino Coalition for Solidarity; Ashford and Wriston; and ten individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tagorda's experience with the University of Hawaii as a Student Regent will continue to be an asset to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii when the Board conducts its business and deliberations.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Tagorda has demonstrated that she is a motivated leader, and is dedicated to the success of the University of Hawaii and its students.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Tagorda has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Board members, and as a Student Regent, Ms. Tagorda earned strong support from fellow Board members for her nomination for appointment as a non-student member of the Board.  Your Committee therefore finds that Ms. Tagorda has been nominated for appointment to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii as a representative of the City and County of Honolulu based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to the University of Hawaii.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education and the Arts 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 Higher Education and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair