GM 558

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1853

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 558

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 No. 558, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawai'i Community Development Authority (Kalaeloa District)

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Gerald Gordner for service on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Kalaeloa District).

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Gerald Gordner from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority; Holomua Collaborative; Hawaiʻi YIMBY; Pacific Resource Partnership; and three individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Gordner's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Kalaeloa District).  Mr. Gordner is currently a policy researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization where his responsibilities include developing and advocating for policy proposals that will increase available affordable housing and facilitate the recovery of areas affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Gordner earned a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and possesses extensive experience in political and public policy campaigns as an advocacy fellow at Partners for Democracy and as the Director of Hawaii Zoning Atlas.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Gordner is currently an interim member of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority, and therefore he understands the role of Authority members.  His expertise in urban planning and public policy will be an asset to the Authority.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Gerald Gordner be appointed to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (Kalaeloa District) based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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