GM 590: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, Gubernatorial Nominee, ARCHIE KALEPA, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1945

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 590, 591

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 590 and 591, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Archie Kalepa and Lawrence Lasua for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

ARCHIE KALEPA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Archie Kalepa from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Hawaiian Homes Commission; Hoʻomana Pono, LLC; Association of Hawaiians for Homestead Lands; and eight individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Archie Kalepa from one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kalepa's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership in the Native Hawaiian community qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission as the representative of Maui.  Mr. Kalepa is a homesteader and a fifth-generation resident of Lahaina.  He is an honored waterman, navigator, emergency medical responder, mentor, and community activist with over thirty years of experience in professional mentorship and promotion of self‑sustaining communities.  Mr. Kalepa is an inductee of the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame and is a celebrated big wave surfer and wayfinder.  His skill and distinction as a proponent of ocean safety and indigenous watersports demonstrate his unique position as a valued representative of the Maui community who has actively worked to garner recognition for the achievements and contributions of Native Hawaiians for decades.  Your Committee notes that as an emergency responder, Mr. Kalepa served a vital role in the urgent response and recovery efforts following the 2023 Maui wildfires.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Hawaiian Homes Commission members and is widely respected for his strong foundation of leadership and cultural understanding rooted in the Maui community he serves, which will be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Archie Kalepa be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his passion, insight, and demonstrated dedication to uplifting indigeneity.

LAWRENCE LASUA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Laurence Lasua from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaiian Homes Commission, Kalamaula Homesteaders Association, and seven individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lasua's background, institutional knowledge, and extensive professional experience qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission as a representative of Molokai.  Mr  Lasua is a lifelong homesteader from Kalamaula, the first homestead community developed in 1921 as a demonstration community following the establishment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended.  Mr. Lasua's lived experience as a descendant of some of the first homesteaders in Hawaii and a member of the uniquely situated community of Molokai grant him a valuable perspective on the needs of Hawaiian Homes Commission Act beneficiaries.  Mr. Lasua is a trusted community member of the island of Molokai with a highly diverse career including work in banking, accounting, public health, and systems operations, analysis, and management.  He has a deep understanding of the specific environmental issues faced by Molokai residents, including flooding, water access, and the invasive axis deer population.  Mr. Lasua actively engages with and is sensitive to the voices of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act beneficiaries of Molokai, and he employs patience, thoughtfulness, and knowledge in his decision-making processes, which are guided by community input.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Hawaiian Homes Commission members and his devotion, skills, and community engagement will be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Lawrence Lasua be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on his technical proficiency, personal understanding of the historical and current context of his community, and commitment to the people of Molokai.

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