GM 740

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2012

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 740, 742, 743

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 740, 742, and 743, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Janet Sato, Marcia Roberts-Deutsch, and Randall Francisco for service on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

JANET SATO

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Janet Sato from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Fine Arts Department of Kalāheo High School, Lanakila Creations, and two individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Sato's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify her for reappointment to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a member who resides in the County of Maui.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Sato has forty-two years of experience as a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards-certified secondary educator in the arts.  While now retired, Ms. Sato served for thirty-three years as a Visual Arts Instructor at H.P. Baldwin High School, where she designed and implemented standards-based, student-centered visual arts curriculum at multiple levels.  As an educator, Ms. Sato established long-term community relationships with external arts organizations; promoted student participation in various competitions; and mentored new teachers to improve the art education available to local students.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Sato has served on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Board of Commissioners as the Maui Commissioner since April 2023, and therefore she thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of its members.  Through her service on the Acquisition Award Selection Committee and Grants Review Panel, Ms. Sato has leveraged her knowledge of local art and culture to improve the efficacy of the Foundation and your Committee finds that she will continue to enhance its effectiveness.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Janet Sato be reappointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts based on her experience, knowledge and commitment to public service.

MARCIA ROBERTS-DEUTSCH

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Marcia Roberts-Deutsch from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Honolulu Printmakers, and three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr.  Roberts-Deutsch's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a member who resides in the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Roberts-Deutsch worked in arts and humanities higher education for nearly fifty years prior to her retirement in 2018, and was awarded the title of Professor Emerita of Art in 2019.  Dr. Roberts-Deutsch previously served as Dean of the Liberal Arts Unit of University College and Division Chair for Humanities and Social Sciences with the University of Hawaii and Honolulu Community College.  Dr. Roberts-Deutsch additionally worked as an artist and arts writer, focusing primarily on artmaking in the State to promote its visibility through publication in national venues and offer commentary for local audiences.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Roberts-Deutsch has worked with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts previously as the recipient of multiple purchase awards.  Your Committee believes that Dr. Roberts-Deutsch's extensive experience in the local art community and unique perspective as an artist, educator, and writer will enhance the effectiveness of the Foundation.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Marcia Roberts-Deutsch be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts based on her experience, knowledge and commitment to public service.

RANDALL FRANCISCO

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Randall Francisco from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Office of Economic Development, Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, Waimea High School, and Inkspot Printing Corp. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Francisco's experience and knowledge qualify him for appointment to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a member who resides in the County of Kauai.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Francisco most recently worked as the Film Commissioner in the Office of Economic Development of the County of Kauai, where he fostered relationships with the County's production professionals to advocate for and support the growth of the State's creative industries.  Mr. Francisco previously served as Dean of Leeward Community College's Office of Continuing Education, Economic, and Workforce Development.  For over twenty years he worked in higher education in the State, focusing primarily on the arts, including performing arts, fine arts, and film.  Mr. Francisco is also an active volunteer, leveraging his professional history in the arts and degrees in business and education to serve his community.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hanapepe Economic Alliance, Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, Kauai Economic Development Board, and Kauai Visitors Bureau.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Francisco has previously worked with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a Grant Reviewer and thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Randall Francisco be appointed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts 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 Transportation and Culture and the Arts,