GM 666: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Commission on the Status of Women, Gubernatorial Nominee, ROSE KEMNA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1911

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 666

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 666, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Commission on the Status of Women

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Rose Kemna for service on the Commission on the Status of Women.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Rose Kemna from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii HomeOwnership Center, Avalon Development, and fifteen individuals.

     Based on the testimony submitted on her behalf, responses to questions asked by the members of your Committee, and your Committee's review of her and her qualifications, your Committee finds that Ms. Kemna's background and experiences as a leader in the State's real estate community qualify her for appointment to the Commission on the Status of Women.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kemna earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kemna has been an active real estate agent for more than twelve years and has closed on more than sixty-five properties at over $51 million in total sales volume.  Ms. Kemna has used her experiences and connections for the last two years to support and uplift women in her community by identifying outstanding women leaders and submitting written nominations on their behalf.  Your Committee also notes that Ms. Kemna is an active member in several nonprofit organizations and has held various roles on numerous boards.  Since 2016, Ms. Kemna has been a volunteer committee member for the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center, where she has helped first time homebuyers to obtain education and resources on homeownership, with a focus on individuals in a low to low-middle income bracket.  Ms. Kemna has also served as the Finance Director and Treasurer of the Residential Real Estate Council's Local Hawaii Chapter Board of Directors, where she has helped to increase professionalism in the State's real estate industry.  Your Committee believes that Ms. Kemna's background in the real estate community, coupled with her dedication to public service, will allow her to bring a unique perspective to the Commission on the Status of Women as a woman leader in the State's real estate sector.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Rose Kemna be appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,