GM 669: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Island Burial Council, Island of O'ahu, Gubernatorial Nominee, KEKAMAMAKOAAKAILIHOU CACERES, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1947

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 669, 670, 671

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. 669, 670, and 671, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Island Burial Council, Island of O'ahu

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kekamamakoaakailihou Caceres, Julian Ako, and Charish Miller for service on the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu.

KEKAMAMAKOAAKAILIHOU CACERES

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kekamamakoaakailihou Caceres from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo, and five individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Caceres' experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, as a member representing the geographic region of Waianae.  Mr. Caceres is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He has professional expertise as a cultural monitor and co-principal consultant at ʻOhana Kūpono Consulting, Inc., which has allowed him to be proactive and well-versed in iwi protection measures and enforcement of archeological monitoring and mitigation plans.  Mr. Caceres has direct genealogical ties to the Kona, Ewa, and Waianae districts of Oʻahu and has been professionally and personally dedicated to the protection, repatriation, and reinterment of iwi kupuna since the age of thirteen.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Island Burial Council members, and his academic pursuits and unique perspective as a member of his generation will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kekamamakoaakailihou Caceres be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, based on his cultural expertise, lifelong dedication to protecting and promoting indigeneity, and deep understanding of the past and future challenges faced by stewards of sacred ancestral sites.  

JULIAN AKO

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Julian Ako from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Kuini Piʻolani Hawaiian Civic Club, and five individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ako's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, as a member representing the geographic region of Kona.  Mr. Ako is a retired Administrator and Principal of Kamehameha Schools and former Director of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu.  He has served on various boards and organizations, including the Hawaiian Historical Society, Ahahui ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi, Pihina Nā Mamo Program, and Harvard University Principals Center National Advisory Board.  Mr. Ako has direct experience with the State's burial processes and administrative rules as he has completed the burial registration process for sites on Kauai.  In addition to his career as an educator and administrator and his work in historical advocacy, Mr. Ako is noted for his contributions to Hawaiian language, music, and cultural preservation.  Mr. Ako is a recognized cultural descendant and lifelong resident of Kona moku with a strong connection to the land and people of the district he seeks to represent.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Island Burial Council members and his humility, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to cultural integrity will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Julian Ako be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, based on his profound legacy of service, deep engagement in various Hawaiian organizations, and diverse advocacy work.

CHARISH MILLER

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Charish Miller from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Miller's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify her for appointment to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, as a member representing the geographic region of Koolaupoko.  Ms. Miller is the co-founder and President of Aloha Mortuary.  She has specialized in disinterment under license and upholds both professional and cultural values in her work.  With six years of experience working with burial sites and ancestral remains in the mortuary setting, Ms. Miller has ensured that iwi and their mana are treated with the utmost respect.  She has experience navigating both cultural protocols and legal protections to advocate for the preservation of iwi kupuna.  Ms. Miller is also a founding board member of Alaula Life Foundation Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit organization focused on education.  Her upbringing was deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, she has genealogical ties to Kuliouou and Waimanalo in the Koolaupoko district, and her family actively strives for a legacy of stewardship in these areas.  Ms. Miller has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Island Burial Council members and her cultural grounding, specialization in mortuary practices, and commitment to the respectful treatment of iwi kupuna will be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Charish Miller be appointed to the Island Burial Council, Island of Oʻahu, based on her professionalism, unique sensitivity to the handling of human remains in the context of Hawaiian tradition, and deep understanding of the cultural and legal processes surrounding burial practices in the State.

     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,