GM 506: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Gubernatorial Nominee, LEINAALA LOPEZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2011

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 506, 507, 508, 556

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 506, 507, 508, and 556, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Leinaʻala Lopez, Pamela Alconcel, Beverly Lee, and Louise Alina for service on the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.

LEINAʻALA LOPEZ

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Leinaʻala Lopez from the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and three individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lopez's experience and knowledge qualify her for reappointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (Commission) as the representative from the Island of Molokaʻi.  Ms. Lopez is a lifelong resident of Molokai, where she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and civic engagement.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Lopez is an active member of her community, incorporating her knowledge and skills in various forms of Hawaiian culture to perpetuate and preserve traditional cultural arts.  Ms. Lopez has been instrumental in spearheading the King Kamehameha Celebrations on Molokai and furthering the goals of the Commission.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Lopez currently serves on the Commission and understands the role and responsibilities of its members and her knowledge of Hawaiian cultural arts will continue to be an asset to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Leinaʻala Lopez be reappointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

PAMELA ALCONCEL

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Pamela Alconcel from the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and two individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Alconel's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission as the representative of the Island of Lanaʻi.  Ms. Alconcel is a lifelong resident of Lanai, where she has taught the Hawaiian language at Lanai High School for twelve years.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Alconcel is a Coordinator and Associate Professor with the University of Hawaii Maui College's Lanai Education Center, where she facilitates the delivery of learning instruction between the University, University of Hawaii System, Lanai High School, and the community; prepares and executes the fiscal budget; administers and executes grant funds to the Lanai Education Center; and supervises staff, students, and faculty.  Ms. Alconcel is active in her community, where she is Vice-President and Treasurer of the Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center, in addition to being a member of the Hawaii Museum Association, Lanai Archeological Committee, and Native Hawaiian Education Association.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Alconcel understands the role and responsibilities of board members and her knowledge of Hawaiian cultural arts will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Pamela Alconcel be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

BEVERLY LEE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Beverly Lee from the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and four individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lee's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (Commission) as the representative for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Lee is a Management Assistant at Kaiser Permanente where she provides administrative and operational clerical support to department managers and staff and serves as a resource to staff, members, and outside vendors.  Ms. Lee has been involved with the Commission since 2010; first as an equestrian participant, then assisting the previous Arts Program Specialist, and as the Equestrian Chairperson.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Lee previously served as a member of the Commission and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members and her knowledge and experience organizing parades, events, and festivals, including cultural protocols, will again be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Beverly Lee be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

LOUISE ALINA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Louise Alina from the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Alina's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (Commission) as the representative for Ahahui Kaahumanu, Chapter 1.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Alina has been a Realtor-Associate for thirty-nine years and is still active in sales and property management.  Ms. Alina is active in her community, where she is a Director and Auditor on the Board of Na Kupuna O Koolau and is currently a judge for the Lei Queen Event for the City and County of Honolulu.  Ms. Alina has been an active member of the Ahahui Kaahumanu, Chapter 1, since 2013, and the Nahiku Community Association on East Maui for more than ten years and is currently Secretary of the Association.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Alina previously served on the Commission and was instrumental in spearheading the lei draping ceremony for many years.  She understands the role and responsibilities of Commission members and her knowledge of Hawaiian cultural protocols will again be an asset to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Louise Alina be appointed to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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