STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3840

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 718, 719, 737

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 718, 719, and 737, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service

 

G.M. No. 718

KAI DUPONTE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 719

JANICE BOND,

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

 

G.M. No. 737

CLAUDE ONIZUKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kai Duponte, Janice Bond, and Claude Onizuka for service on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

 

KAI DUPONTE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kai Duponte from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Duponte has served as a Practicum Coordinator and Project Director of the Hawaii Child Welfare Education Collaboration Project for the University of Hawaii Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work.  Ms. Duponte has also previously served at Liberty Dialysis and as a Residential Services Division Administrator with Catholic Charities Family Services.  Ms. Duponte has been an active member of her community, volunteering her time with the Project Kealahou Governing Council, Aloha United Way, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Hospice Hawaii.  According to the testimony, Ms. Duponte is a very valuable leader in supporting community service and volunteerism in Hawaii.  In her personal statement, Ms. Duponte indicated that she believes contributing to the community is very important and hopes to continue to assist in securing adequate funding for the support programs and ensuring that adequate support is available for grantees.  Your Committee therefore finds that Ms. Duponte's professional experience in social work, as well as her commitment to community service, will continue to be great assets to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

 

JANICE BOND

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Janice Bond from four individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bond is a retired teacher who has previously taught at Kapaa and Kauai High Schools.  Since her retirement, Ms. Bond has been an active member of her community, serving as an AARP and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network legislative advocate and being involved with the Agency on Elderly Affairs, Tobacco Trust Fund Advisory Board, Kauai March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, East Kauai Lions Club, and Visitor Aloha Society Kauai.  According to the testimony, Ms. Bond is a dedicated educator and community volunteer who is willing to participate in all community efforts and has dedicated her life to the advancement of others' personal and professional development.  In her personal statement, Ms. Bond indicated that her reliability, dependability, and responsiveness will continue to benefit the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service and she hopes to continue using her expertise in granting funds to various organizations.  Therefore your Committee finds that Ms. Bond's willingness to serve, as well as her extensive experience in community volunteerism, will continue to be great assets to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

 

CLAUDE ONIZUKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Claude Onizuka from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Onizuka is retired after thirty-four years in banking and eight years in community relations, having previously served as the Branch Manager for Kona Community Federal Credit Union, Owner and President of Kona International Travel Service, and Vice President and Branch Manager at American Savings Bank.  Mr. Onizuka is also a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the United States Army and Hawaii National Guard.  Mr. Onizuka has been highly active in a number of community organizations and is the President of the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Committee and Director of the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Committee, Los Angeles.  According to the testimony, Mr. Onizuka is a valuable leader in supporting community service and volunteerism in Hawaii.  In his personal statement, Mr. Onizuka indicated that he hopes to continue to be involved in acquiring and distributing funding to qualified organizations for the benefit of the people of Hawaii.  Your Committee therefore finds that Mr. Onizuka's professional experience, as well as his willingness to serve, will continue to be great assets to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair