GM 773

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1946

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 773

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 No. 773, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawaiian Homes Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Shaylyn Ornellas for service on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shaylyn Ornellas from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi; Department of Planning for the County of Kauaʻi; Office of Boards and Commissions for the County of Kauaʻi; Hoʻomana Pono, LLC; Kauaʻi Board of Realtors; ʻĀina Hoʻokupu o Kīlauea; Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi; and thirty-seven individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Shaylyn Ornellas from one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ornellas' background and dedication to public service qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission as a member representing Kauaʻi.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Ornellas has been a licensed real estate salesperson in the State since 2012 and is currently the owner of Keʻala Collective, LLC.  She also has prior professional experience in real estate, sales and marketing, public relations, and teaching.  Ms. Ornellas has a long track record of public service, including her current role as Chair of the Kauaʻi Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission and past service on the State Marine and Coastal Zone Advocacy Council.  Ms. Ornellas has a demonstrated history of advocating for preservation of public accesses and easements of historic and culturally important lands.  Her family has long been an integral part of the Kauai community, and she carries forward their legacy of service, hard work, and cultural preservation.  Ms. Ornellas has strong familial connections to homestead communities such as Anahola and Kekaha, and her family also owned kuleana lands in Pilaʻa, demonstrating her personal connection in addition to her professional expertise in Hawaiian land issues.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Ornellas has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members and her extensive experience in real estate will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shaylyn Ornellas be appointed to the Hawaiian Homes Commission based on her institutional knowledge, wide range and depth of perspective, and desire to serve.

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