GM 550: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Gubernatorial Nominee, ALEXANDRA KELEPOLO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1852

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 550

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 550, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Legacy Land Conservation Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Alexandra Kelepolo for service on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission. 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alexandra Kelepolo from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi, Malama Kohala Kahakai, Kohala Lihikai, Kohanaiki ʻOhana, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Regenerative Organic Probiotic Practices Hawaii, and five individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kelepolo's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as a member possessing membership in a land conservation organization organized in the State.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kelepolo is currently employed by Hawaiian Electric as a land agent where her responsibilities include the acquisition of various land dispositions which requires her to work with federal, state, county, and private landowners.  She also assists external and internal customers by researching various land inquiries.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kelepolo possesses many years of professional experience in the public sector.  Before current employment, she worked as a clerk typist for the Land Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and as a property management technician for the Property Management Division of the County of Hawaii.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kelepolo is an active member of her community, serving as the Vice-chair of the County of Hawaii, Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission and as the vice President of the Moku O Keawe Land Conservancy.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kelepolo thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of commission members and her experience with land acquisition and conservation will be an asset to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Alexandra Kelepolo be appointed to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,