GM 586: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the School Facilities Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, JAN IWASE, for a term to expire 06-30-2025.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1908

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 779, 777, 778, 780, 781, 586, 698

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 779, 777, 778, 780, 781, 586, and 698, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

School Facilities Authority

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Shellie Paiva, Robert Davis, Michael Unebasami, Damien Kim, and Jan Iwase for service on the School Facilities Authority.

SHELLIE PAIVA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shellie Paiva from the Department of Education; Weed and Seed Hawaii, Inc.; Accel Events and Tents; and twenty-eight individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Paiva's experience and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment to the School Facilities Authority Board.  Ms. Paiva is a retired law enforcement professional who dedicated nearly twenty years to the Honolulu Police Department.  Most recently, Ms. Paiva served as Major for District 4 (Waimanalo to Kahuku), overseeing all patrol and field operations, and prior to that, served as a major for the Specialized Services Division (SWAT).  Ms. Paiva's experience in law enforcement overlapped with education initiatives such as establishing the Real and Powerful (R.A.P.) Sessions at Waipahu Elementary School, the Stay on Track program at Waipahu Intermediate School, and the Adopt-a-School program at Waipahu High School.  At your Committee's public hearing to consider her nomination, Ms. Paiva committed to being a proactive member by ensuring the decisions made by the School Facilities Authority accurately reflect the communities where projects are developed.  Ms. Paiva is also committed to fiscal responsibility and budget analysis to prioritize projects and prevent unnecessary delays in the design and construction process.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Paiva understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her extensive experience in law enforcement and criminal justice education programs will be an asset to the School Facilities Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shellie Paiva be appointed to the School Facilities Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

ROBERT DAVIS

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Robert Davis from the Department of Education and one individual. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Davis' background and experience qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the School Facilities Authority.  Mr. Davis has dedicated over thirty years to the Department of Education, serving as a classroom teacher, counselor, administrator, and Complex Area Superintendent before retired last December.  Most recently, Mr. Davis served as Complex Area Superintendent for the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua area, overseeing a portfolio of twenty schools.  In this role, Mr. Davis was also responsible for addressing the needs of each school within the district, developing talent management procedures for area schools, and implementing systems for fiscal responsibility and mentorship of principals.  At your Committee's public hearing to consider his nomination, Mr. Davis described his strengths in fiscal management and operations, noting that his team secured $14 million for current and future students at Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua complex area schools.  Additionally, Mr. Davis previously served on the Early Learning Board as the Superintendent of Education's designee, where he learned that strengthening the intent of policy and establishing clear communication will ensure effective operations of the School Facilities Authority.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Davis understands the roles and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in the Department of Education will be an asset to the Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Robert Davis be appointed and reappointed to the School Facilities Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

MICHAEL UNEBASAMI

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Unebasami from the Department of Education and fourteen individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Unebasami's background and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the School Facilities Authority.  Mr. Unebasami is an experienced executive manager in higher education, dedicating over fifty years to the University of Hawaii System.  Mr. Unebasami most recently served as Associate Vice President for Administrative Affairs at the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, a role Mr. Unebasami held since 1993 before retiring in 2024.  Through his affiliation with the University of Hawaii, Mr. Unebasami represented the system as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Western Association of College and Business Officers.  Additionally, Mr. Unebasami is a decorated member of his community, receiving the National Association of College and University Business Officers "Distinguished Business Officer" Award in 2019.  At your Committee's public hearing to consider his nomination, Mr. Unebasami explained that the Department of Education is a client of the School Facilities Authority, and establishing parameters for accountability will ensure timely development of school facilities and achievement of the Department of Education's goals.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Unebasami understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and his extensive experience in executive management, business operations and administration, and government affairs related to education will be an asset to the School Facilities Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Unebasami be appointed to the School Facilities Authority based on his background, knowledge, and desire to serve his community.

DAMIEN KIM

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Damien Kim from the Department of Education, Electrical Contractors Association of Hawaii, Adult Friends for Youth, and five individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kim's knowledge and proven dedication to his community qualify him for appointment to the School Facilities Authority.  Presently, Mr. Kim serves as Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186, a position he has held since 2008.  Mr. Kim has been a licensed electrician in the State for thirty-five years and also has experience as an electrician foreman.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kim is an active member of his community, serving as President of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, Chairperson of Adult Friends for Youth, past chairperson and board member of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit Board, and Vice President of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO.  At your Committee's public hearing to consider his nomination, Mr. Kim noted his strength in business management will assist the School Facilities Authority in determining fiscal responsibility for development projects.  Additionally, Mr. Kim's experience as an electrician will be an asset to the Authority, as his experience in contracting and construction offers expertise in building standards for safe learning environments for Hawaii's students.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Damien Kim be appointed to the School Facilities Authority based on his background, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JAN IWASE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Jan Iwase from the Department of Education and ten individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Iwase's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment and reappointment to the School Facilities Authority.  Ms. Iwase is an experienced teacher who served with the Department of Education for over thirty years as a classroom teacher and administrator.  Before retirement, Ms. Iwase served as Principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School for approximately fifteen years.  Ms. Iwase is also an active member of her community, serving as President of the University of Hawaii College of Education Alumni Association and formerly serving on the Joint Venture Education Forum and the Military Impacted Principals Council.  Ms. Iwase has served on the School Facilities Authority as an interim member since 2024.  At your Committee's public hearing to consider her nomination, Ms. Iwase noted that the School Facilities Authority serves an important role, assisting the Department of Education in achieving its mission to provide high quality public education to Hawaii's students.  Additionally, Ms. Iwase noted that, while the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education report to different entities, collaboration between the two agencies is imperative to ensuring successful completion of ongoing projects.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Iwase understands the roles and responsibilities of board members, and her extensive experience as a public school teacher and administrator will be an asset to the Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jan Iwase be appointed and reappointed to the School Facilities Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on 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 Education,