STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1549

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 576

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 576, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

 

G.M. No. 576

DAVID KAAPU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by David Kaapu for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of David Kaapu from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, two Commissioners of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and four individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kaapu's background in law and extensive 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, estate planning, general litigation, and land use.  Mr. Kaapu has been a Commissioner of the Hawaiian Homes Commission for seven years and currently serves as the Vice Chairman for the Commission, where he utilizes his legal knowledge to assist the Commission to make well-informed decisions on various matters.  Mr. Kaapu has also conducted contested case hearings and drafted findings of facts and conclusions of law when the Chairman has been conflicted for contested case hearings.  His experiences serving on permitted interaction committees, including his current membership on the Pastoral Committee, Investment Committee, and the King's Landing Committee provides necessary institutional knowledge key to the operation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

     Mr. Kaapu has also served on a number of boards, including the Hawaii State Bar Association, West Hawaii 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 continue to make him an asset to the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair