STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3889

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, and 743, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service

 

G.M. No. 737

KAREN MUKAI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 738

ANNE NAKAKURA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 739

ANNE NAKAKURA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 740

DIANE PETERS-NGUYEN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 741

DIANE PETERS-NGUYEN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 742

FRANK HAAS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

 

G.M. No. 743

FRANK HAAS,

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 Karen Mukai, Anne Nakakura, Diane Peters-Nguyen, and Frank Haas for service on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.

 

KAREN MUKAI

 

     Your Committee did not receive any testimony on this measure.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Mukai's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify her for appointment as a member representing community-based agencies or organizations within the State.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Mukai has extensive experience in business as an owner and operator of the largest Kumon franchise on Oahu and TK Wedding Services.  In her previous professional experience, Ms. Mukai co-founded Best Bridal Hawaii, serving as its sole American officer and director.  Following her experience with Best Bridal Hawaii, Ms. Mukai became a Japanese wedding consultant to serve the Japan-Hawaii wedding industry while also focusing on service to her community through non-profit organizations.  Ms. Mukai is an active member of her community, serving as a board member of March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter, Manoa Valley Theatre, Women's Fund Hawaii, and Susan G. Komen Hawaii.  In her experience as a board member, Ms. Mukai chaired the 2020 virtual Manoa Marquee for Manoa Valley Theatre, the 2021 hybrid Susan G. Komen Hawaii Pink Tie Lei Day Celebration, and the virtual Women's Fund Hawaii 2021 Tea and Champagne Fundraiser.  Her experience and knowledge in finance and accounting will be an asset to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Karen Mukai be appointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

 

ANNE NAKAKURA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Anne Nakakura from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Nakakura's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify her for appointment and reappointment as a member representing community-based agencies or organizations within the State.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Nakakura has held numerous executive-level positions within the fields of accounting and business finance.  Ms. Nakakura is also a certified public accountant, and she has served major businesses in Hawaii such as Roberts Hawaii and educational institutions such as Hawaii Baptist Academy.  Presently, Ms. Nakakura serves as Business Manager for La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls, where she oversees finances and operations, including campus technology and facilities for the school, which serves girls in grades six through twelve.  Ms. Nakakura has extensive experience managing daily operations and financial management, including oversight of annual operating budgets and risk management.  Her experience and knowledge in finance and accounting will be an asset to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Anne Nakakura be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

 

DIANE PETERS-NGUYEN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Diane Peters-Nguyen from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Peters-Nguyen's experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify her for appointment and reappointment as a member.  Ms. Peters-Nguyen currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region.  Ms. Peters-Nguyen previously held executive-level management positions for educational institutions and organizations, including Chaminade University, Oceanic Institute, and Pacific Rim Foundation.  She has served as president and board member of Hui Hānai Advisory Board and past president of Hawaii Society of Business Professionals.  Ms. Peters-Nguyen has also been an active member of the community, serving as a board member for Kamehameha Scholars Advisory Board, Pacific Arts Foundation, Friends of East-West Center, Ōlelo Community Media, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Prince Kūhio Hawaiian Civic Club, and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Peters-Nguyen also served as a peer grant reviewer for the United States Department of Education, Native Hawaiian Education Grant Competition and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  Her experience and knowledge at all levels of education and extensive community serve will be an asset to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Diane Peters-Nguyen be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on her experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

 

FRANK HAAS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Frank Haas from Historic Hawaii Foundation and twenty-seven individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Haas' experience, knowledge, and willingness to serve on the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service qualify him for appointment and reappointment as a member.  Mr. Haas has decades of experience in the field of marketing, serving in various sectors such as hospitality and tourism, technology, marketing, and business.  He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Management, Inc.  He has previously served as Dean of the Hospitality, Culinary, and Business programs for Kapiolani Community College and as Vice President of Marketing for the Hawaii Tourism Authority.  Mr. Haas has also served as a member of numerous nonprofit boards supporting culture and the arts, including Friends of Hawaii State Art Museum, Hawaii Public Radio, Chamber Music Hawaii, Historic Hawaii Foundation, Hawaii Book and Music Festival, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, and the Honolulu Symphony Marketing Committee.  His experience and knowledge in hospitality, marketing, and business and extensive community serve will be an asset to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Frank Haas be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Commission for National and Community Service based on his experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair