GM 702

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1859

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 701, 702, 703

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 Nos. 701, 702, and 703, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Frederick Reppun, Cendric Bertelmann, and Jeffrey Kaluhiwa for service on the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council. 

FREDERICK REPPUN

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Frederick Reppun from the Department of Natural Resources, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Koʻolau Foundation, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Reppun's experience and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.  Mr. Reppun is an Assistant Specialist at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and Education Coordinator at the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Mr. Reppun's present responsibilities in these roles include the coordination of community-driven education programs with numerous site partners, stakeholders, and other researchers and educators to promote indigenous and western scientific knowledge of watershed estuarine systems; coordination of aina‑based education professional development programs for teachers; and development and instruction in hands-on, interdisciplinary courses from the community college to graduate school level.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Reppun is involved in his community as he volunteers to perform invasive species control and to support community-based renewable energy systems.  Your Committee also notes that Mr. Reppun has served on the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council since 2020, advising policymakers on issues related to the health and use of the bay, and therefore he thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of Council members.  His expertise will continue to be an asset to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Reppun be reappointed to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

CEDRIC BERTELMANN

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Cedric Bertelmann from the Department of Natural Resources and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Bertelmann's experience and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Bertelmann is an experienced waterman with thirty‑seven years of experience as a commercial fisherman who has been a lifelong user of Kaneohe Bay.  From 1996 to 2023, Mr. Bertelmann served as a fire fighter in the Honolulu Fire Department, retiring with the rank of fire captain.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Bertelmann is involved in his community as he is an organizer of the Heeia Kea Pier Jackpot Fishing tournament.  Your Committee also notes that Mr. Bertelmann has served as a member of the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council since 2020, and therefore he thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of Council members.  His expertise and familiarity with Kaneohe Bay will continue to be an asset to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Cedric Bertelmann be reappointed to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JEFFREY KALUHIWA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jeffrey Kaluhiwa from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Koʻolau Foundation, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kaluhiwa's experience and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council.  Your Committee finds that is a journeyman painter and member of the Painters Union Local 1791, possessing skills in paint application and the maintenance of painting equipment.  Mr. Kaluhiwa is a Kaneohe native and has served on the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council since 2018.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaluhiwa is a highly respected waterman who intimately understands the many issues that Kaneohe Bay faces and is deeply committed to building a strong community in Kaneohe.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kaluhiwa has served on the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council since 2018, and therefore he thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of Council members.  His intimate knowledge of Kaneohe Bay and personal connections with numerous Kaneohe organizations will continue to be assets to the Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jeffrey Kaluhiwa be reappointed to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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