STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1753

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 524, 692, 693, 706

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 524, 692, 693, and 706, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

 

G.M. No. 524

SHELLEY PE'A,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 692

TREVOR DAINES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 693

KEHAULANI KEANAAINA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and

 

G.M. No. 706

DESIREE CRUZ,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Shelley Pea, Trevor Daines, Kehaulani Keanaaina, and Desiree Cruz for service on the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (Commission).

 

     Your Committee notes that the Commission was established pursuant to section 8-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to manage all arrangements for the celebration of King Kamehameha I Day that is generally observed throughout the State on June 11 each year, and support any other events as it may approve to commemorate the memory of King Kamehameha I.

 

     Section 8-5(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Commission to have fifteen members who are appointed by the Governor, with one member representing each of the following organizations or islands:

 

     (1)  Royal Order of Kamehameha I;

     (2)  Ahahui Kaahumanu;

     (3)  Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii Ahahui Poo;

     (4)  Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors Mamakakaua;

     (5)  Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association;

     (6)  Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs;

     (7)  Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association;

     (8)  Daughters of Hawaii;

     (9)  Kapahulu Music Club;

    (10)  Papakolea Community Association;

    (11)  Island of Kauai;

    (12)  Island of Lanai;

    (13)  Island of Maui;

    (14)  Island of Molokai; and

    (15)  Island of Hawaii.

 

Under the statute, each organization must maintain a certificate of good standing issued by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and an active membership list.  Each organization may recommend for appointment to the Commission, an individual capable of providing administrative guidance regarding knowledge of Hawaiian culture, history and protocols, legal issues, business, accounting, marketing, philanthropy, or public relations.  The statute also requires that members who represent the islands to be a resident of the island they represent and be able to and provide the Commission with administrative guidance on issues pertaining to law, business, accounting, marketing, philanthropy, or public relations.

 

SHELLEY PEA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Shelley Pea from the Commission.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Ms. Pea's qualifications, your Committee finds that Ms. Pea has been employed by Kamehameha Schools as its Hookahua – Cultural Specialist II since January 2014.  Ms. Pea has a Master of Education degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University - Hawaii.  Prior to her employment with Kamehameha Schools, Ms. Pea was a teacher at Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau, Laboratory Public Charter School in Kaneohe, Hawaii for over thirteen years.  Ms. Pea has also volunteered for over ten years at the King Kamehameha and Aloha Festivals parades.

 

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Pea has been serving on the Commission since 2017 as a representative of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and if reappointed, will serve in the same capacity.  As of March 12, 2021, the organization maintains a certificate of good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Your Committee finds that Shelley Pea's experience and knowledge in education, Hawaiian culture, and community service will continue to be valuable assets to the Commission.

 

TREVOR DAINES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Trevor Daines from the Commission and Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Hawaii Chapter.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Mr. Daines' qualifications, your Committee finds that Mr. Daines is currently the Director of Culture and Product Development for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to promote the Hawaii islands throughout North America.  Mr. Daines' previous work experiences include Director of Sales with the Oahu Visitors Bureau and Cultural Advisor for the HVCB.  Mr. Daines also has an extensive history of community service.  He currently serves as an Officer of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and as a member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu, and has served in the past as a board member of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association; board member of the Friends of Iolani Palace; President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Hawaii Chapter; and board member of the Hawaii Business Travel Association.

 

     Your Committee notes that Mr. Daines served on the Commission from 2007 to 2011, during which he was its Chairperson for the final two years.  He was reappointed to the Commission in 2017 and has been serving as its Chairperson since then.  Mr. Daines serves on the Commission as a representative of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and if reappointed, will continue to serve in the same capacity.  As of March 12, 2021, the organization maintains a certificate of good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Your Committee finds that Trevor Daines' experience and knowledge in Hawaiian culture, leadership skills, and strong commitment to public service will continue to be valuable assets to the Commission.

 

KEHAULANI KEANAAINA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kehaulani Keanaaina from the Commission and Daughters of Hawaii.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Ms. Keanaaina's qualifications, your Committee finds that Ms. Keanaaina's professional expertise and knowledge in generating and curating business through networking and prospecting qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Commission.  Ms. Keanaaina has been a licensed realtor with Wailea Realty Corporation dba Windermere Real Estate in Kailua-Kona since 2018.  As a licensed realtor, Ms. Keanaaina analyzes market trends, conditions, and activities to accurately advise clients and develop competitive market proposals.  Her previous positions include General Manager, Operational Manager, Specialty Sales Assistant Store Manager, and Sales Specialist with The Home Depot in Oregon.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Keanaaina has a Bachelor of Science degree in Housing Studies from Oregon State University.

 

     If appointed to the Commission, Ms. Keanaaina will serve as a member representing the Daughters of Hawaii.  As of March 12, 2021, the organization maintains a certificate of good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  

 

     Your Committee finds that Kehaulani Keanaaina's expertise and knowledge in analyzing market trends and generating and curating business through networking and prospecting will be valuable assets to the Commission.

 

DESIREE CRUZ

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Desiree Cruz from the Commission.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Ms. Cruz's qualifications, your Committee finds that Ms. Cruz is currently the owner and director of Desiree Models and Talent, where she provides promotional and management services to entertainers and cultural practitioners in Hawaii, sales and marketing services for the hospitality and visitor industry, and coordinates public and corporate events.  Ms. Cruz has previously served as a staff member for the East Hawaii District Office in the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Senior Community Outreach Specialist for the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, Sales Specialist with the Big Island Visitors Bureau, and Public Relations Specialist with the County of Hawaii Mayor's Office.  Her community services include serving as a board member of the Hilo Community Players, board member of the Volcano Art Center, Program Coordinator with the Hula Arts at Kilauea, and President of the Paukaa Community Association.

 

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Cruz currently serves on the Commission as a representative of the Island of Hawaii, and if reappointed, will continue to serve in the same capacity.

 

     Your Committee finds that Desiree Cruz's experience and knowledge in business, sales and marketing, the hospitality and visitor industry, promotional and management services, and government services will continue to be valuable assets to the Commission.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture 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 Labor, Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair