Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land

Good afternoon to today's Aloha Friday. And welcome everyone to the Water and Land Committee hearing today, Friday, April 11th, and we're in room 229. Just some housekeeping measures: we ask for those testifying, we ask that you stand on your written testimony or limit your testimony to one minute. That also includes those that are on Zoom as well.

And this video of the hearing can be found in the Senate's YouTube channel. And I'm sure some of you after will spend the time of the weekend watching us again and we'll have decision making after today's hearing as well. So, thank you members for being here.

For some of you, as you know, we are winding down almost halfway, more than halfway, in our schedules next week will be in conference. And so, there is many of us are still having hearings up until today. Let's proceed with our amended schedule.

And this is for all of the governor's messages and as we know, we know their names but when we receive messages from the Governor, you all have a number. So we will proceed with GM 745. And this is the submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Natural Area Reserve System Commission that we all know as NARS program.

The nominee is Norn Abbott for a term to expire June 30, 2029. And Members, just to refresh our memories again, this is for going on the second term of Mr. Abbott. DLNR thank you. Emma Lemana Yamata Mahalo.

Makaala Kaumoana sends testimony on his behalf from Hanalei for the Hanalei Watershed Hui and also support from Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. And Mark Turtletop sends testimony on your behalf and Jonetta Peters as well. Let's see Thorne Abbott, come on up. And we thank you for your service as well on your second term.

Just to let you know.

Thank you very much for the opportunity.

Continue and we appreciate the fine work that you have done and I'm sure the agency has recognized that as well.

Yes, thank you. Glad to serve. Thank you very much.

Okay, so what has been your goal this last couple of years that you've served on, I think and what you see for the future for the, for.

The Commission as well, in particular for the marine reserves. I think it's very important to keep an eye on what's going up on Mauka lands and how that could impact the marine reserves and making sure it goes through a good thorough process so a potential impact can be avoided, minimize or mitigated to the best extent possible.

And that's why I Think I can play a role in.

Well, you have a good background in environmental planner as well, so you know that's well needed in our agencies and in particular, this particular program that's managed by dhofar. And with the kind work that you all do, we certainly appreciate any questions for Mr. Abbott. You see how good we are because we appreciate your service. All right.

Okay. Let's proceed then. Members to GM783. And this is submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. The nominee is Benton Pang for term to expire June 30, 2028. And see. Okay. GM783. Michael Naho, PE.

Michael Dalfi, Executive Director, Kahola Resort Commission. On behalf of the current. We stand in strong support of the.

Okay. Mahalo. Okay. Lemana

Executive Director for the Hawaiian State. Stand in our testimony. Strong support. The. Thank you.

Mahalo. Okay. Wayne Tanaka, Sierra Club. I thought I saw Wayne walking in the hallway, but. Wayne, did you go back on Zoom?

Not on Zoom Chair.

Okay. Sends testimony and support as well. And IT, see if we have Malia Oliveira on Zoom. I'll put on. On Zoom Chair with the Hawaiian Civic Clubs of Kauai. Sense communication in support. Lemoni Khan. Oh, Wayne, you. oh, that's okay. We'll. We'll. We'll have Lemoni come up. Yes. Mahalo.

Mahalo. Chair. I have submitted written testimony, and while I would stand on the testimony, I just felt I'd like to add a little personal touch. Sure. And that is? I'd like to hear that. Yes. And that is that besides Ben Tien's professional credentials, I want to emphasize his personal values.

I have known Ben 10 for maybe 50 years because I know his parents, Victor and Ching Pang. And like his parents, you know, he's following in their steps by contributing to the uplifting of the Native Hawaiian community and for doing what is environmentally right.

And so in my testimony, you did see that I reflected on his first term with the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. He's done a good job. But all said and done, what I wanted to emphasize is his values of being haaha Kuleana. He takes full responsibility for anything that he gets himself engaged in.

For pilina, for building relationships, which is so important when you serve on a Commission for Kupaa, for being steadfast, for being Kono, and most of all, for being Aloha. And that's all I wanted to share.

Mahalo. That's very nice. Very kind of you. Okay. Wayne Tanaka.

Good afternoon. Chair, Vice Chair, Members of the Committee, Wayne Tanaka Bahoy. We have strong support of this nomination. I'll just say, I mean, yeah, everything that Anthony Wongi said, you know, Dr. Peng is, you know, his expertise, but really it's his integrity and his dedication for that I've witnessed over years and years and years.

And not just for Koalawi, but in all kinds of other arenas with the civic clubs, with Red Hill and Invisible Species. So he's one of those quiet folks that just is so dedicated to making Hawaii a better place and just really want to enthusiastically support his nomination. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Let's see. I called the. All right. Also, we received communications in support. Support from Mahilani Safer, and that's Makaala Kaumoana, Kane, Kawai Ola Lindsay from the Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

Testimony from Moanalua Gardens, Ian Castino, Norman Lanos, as well as Keonish Izuma, Joshua kaakua Keakala, Alexander McNicol, Bert Lum and Makana Paris, and Jonetta Parker's as well. Is there anyone else here wishes to speak on GM783? I do. Okay, come on up. State your name.

Aloha. I'm Georgia Nohea Stevens. I'm the Peliki kena President of Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club and. Aloha Chair and Members of this Committee. So mahalo for making this opportunity available for us to speak in strong support of Dr. Benton Kel Hang. As the Peliki kena of the Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club, we have worked together with Dr. Kelly E.

Pang over the years through both the Association of the Hawaiian Civic Club and the Oahu Council, the Hawaiian Civic Club. He's. I again offer my strong support for his confirmation to serve on the Kahoa Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. Kelly is not only a respected scientist and environmental advocate, but also a dedicated cultural practitioner and community servant.

He has deep aloha for our aina and our lahui. And it's evident in all that he does through our work together, I've witnessed Kellyi's unwavering commitment to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, environmental stewardship, responsible leadership.

He brings a unique combination of professional expertise in marine biology and conservation science, as well as a heart guided by cultural values and lived experience. Experience. His contribution have consistently reflected the highest level of integrity, humility and service. I respectfully urge your fa, your favorable consideration of Dr. Pang's confirmation.

And again, mahalo for the opportunity to provide this testimony as well.

Anyone Else wishes to speak to GM783. All right, Dr. Pang, aloha. Good morning. Good to see you. Okay. And mahalo for your continue your past work with Kirk and the Members here on Waterland.

Certainly appreciate the active responsibilities that folks like yourself are so active with this island that I often say to Michael, I guess maybe it's a great thing that I live in Hilo. So I'm on the flight every week Monday and then go back home on Fridays.

And it's so lovely to see the island and the progress that I've seen over the years. And when you see the green things, then you know, oh, the plants are surviving and the trees are growing. It just gives you kind of chicken skin.

Yes.

Yeah. And so we thank you for your service. And so how have things been? And don't feel ashamed even if Michael is here. You can tell our Committee that are we providing the necessary funds for the work, you know, because he's a good.

I tell you, he can come visit us when time when we're working on budget, all the needs. So share with us. Yeah.

Mike is a great Executive Director. He has, as a Commissioner before our meetings, the packets have all the information needed and very explanatory, especially when it comes to the budget. He has gives us spreadsheets. He keeps us updated on funding initiatives both here in Hawaii and nationally.

As far as NGOs that he's applying for to support the restoration of the island. It's getting greener, which is nice. He has great staff. It's just wonderful working with Mike. I do want to add, when I was back here in 2020 with you, you had asked to visit the island.

So I'd like to put Mike on the spot here. We're still wishing Valentine's still waiting for. Their trip out to Pua. So I like to put that on.

The record to make sure we got the boats right.

You get the boat ramp fixed up for us. Gotta make sure it's safe when you get there. But yeah, it's been a pleasure working with them. I offer both cultural knowledge to helping guide the Commission as well as my biological expertise here from learning here in the island.

So I'm happy to serve in another term and hope that you would support me in. In that. Thank you very much.

Certainly. And four years will come fast, but we certainly need people with your background as well. And we just mahalo you for all that you have done as well. Now, since we're on the topic. The.

How do you think now that weather has changed completely throughout the world sea level rise and all the other issues that we're experiencing. And I know the only way you got, you know, anyone can get there is by boat.

Yeah.

Or I don't know if the canoes go there as well. Maybe some do, but landing and everything else. Do we need any more improvements because of sea level rise and share with us, Michael? You know. Yeah, yeah, because, you know, because it's, you know, it's an unpopulated area.

So not like sea level rise that's going to affect all of us on the populated islands.

So with regards to sea level rise, what we're doing right now is that we've been getting some funding from OCCL office Coastal and Conservation Lands and to demonstrate to utilize for coastline restoration projects that they can't do here Oahu, because there's too many people running around the beach and all this infrastructure.

But we're demonstrating and they're actually on the island next week to come look at some of the things that we've been doing that are not impacted by all these people that are running around the beach and what is possible if you keep people off the beach and how you can restore sand dunes and create more coastal habitats on the areas.

But for right now, I mean, the boat works fine. It, it's. It's the most cost effective way of getting people to Kaho loving.

And our biggest thing in the next few years is I think we had a presentation for ways of means a few years just before the fire was our Kihei site was to create our education cultural center that we're asking for Fund CIP funding so that we can generate money to help the restoration project and also to help create a new tax base in the Kihei area.

And you know, one of these days when, when people are coming back to MAU Week, because this kind of seemed kind of jury in the last few years, but we can have people learn more about what we're doing on the island, all this climate change issues that we want to promote and also native Hawaiian cultural practices with the.

With regard to restoration and rehabilitation of areas. So one of these days we'll, we'll get the CIP buddy. Yeah.

Okay. And we'll get on to visit on the next there. Well, we need to do that in a couple of days so we can all start doing our own planting.

Yeah.

So you got accommodations for us? Yes. Yes. Okay. Yeah, that was nice. Okay, we're ready whenever you guys are ready. All right, any questions, Members? And let's proceed then with our next GM. It's GM770 and submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Nominee Hannah Springer. For a term to expire June 302028.

Cara, DLNR Commission on Water Resources. Whoa. You know what? I'm so sorry. Because we're on Kaho`olawe, that's complete Kaho`olawe. It's my error. Okay. We can't skip Jensen. All right. Okay. GM 762, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission nominee Jensen Chock for term to expire June 30, 2029. Okay. And we'll be up for Michael.

Michael Nahoopii again, District Director, Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. On behalf of the commission, we stand in strong support of our testimony for the nominee.

Mahalo. Leimana DaMate, Aha Moku. Mahalo. IT, is Kylee Mar on Zoom?

Aloha, Chair. Aloha. Aloha. Aloha, Chair Inouye and Committee. Kylee Pōmaika’i Mar in Hakioawa Kahoʻolawe, here to represent the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana. We stand on our testimony. We're here with 43 students, faculty, and staff from Volcano School, Anuenue Punua, and Kamehameha Schools during our restoration work in Hakioawa. Mahalo.

Mahalo to you as well. Also on Zoom, IT, do we have Kanoelani Steward?

Aloha kākou. Can you hear me?

Yes. Proceed.

Aloha nui kakou. My name is Kanoelani Steward. I'm from Lahaina, Maui. Testifying in strong support of GM 762, the nomination of Jensen Kalama Chock to serve on the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. I've known Kalama since my first trip with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana to Hakioawa where he served as a alakaʻi, a leader who was and continues to be grounded in our Ike, Hawaii, ʻōlelo, Hawaii and values of aloha ʻāina.

As a kumu and a makua, he is more than qualified to be in this position to be able to support the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission's goals of managing and restoring Kahoʻolawe, as well as being a strong bridge between Kirk and the PKO to continue to perpetuate aloha ʻāina and to ultimately heal and revitalize the cultural and natural resources of Kahoʻolawe. Please vote yes on GM 762. Mahalo.

Mahalo, Kanoelani. Holden Takahashi on Zoom.

Not present, Chair.

Okay. Kaulu Luʻuwai. You wanna? You signed up to speak. Okay, proceed.

Aloha. Kaulu Luʻuwai. Born and raised on Maui. I submitted written testimony. I am 30 year member of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana because I was born into it. My family is from Makena, Maui, but I am also a board member for the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. But I'm here in my personal capacity because you already heard from our Ohana that is on Kahoʻolawe.

I just want to give my enthusiastic support for Jensen Kalama, as we call him, Chock. Great nominee. And I just want to add that he was actually selected from our internal process with the Ohana. So he has the full support of most of the members who participated in our voting process. And that just goes to show because we have many, many members across Hawaii. So he has the full support of the Ohana. I just wanted to share that. Mahalo.

Mahalo, and thank you for your work as well. I thought you were going to say you were born on Kahoʻolawe. Okay. All right. We did receive communications for Jensen as well. There's 35 of them here sending information, but we are timed. We do have to get out of here by 2:30.

But mahalo to all of those that have sent communication with no opposition on this as well. And okay, Jensen Chock. Aloha to you too. And mahalo as well, as I did mention to him when I personally did the interviews is you have time yet for some more work. But we appreciate your expertise and your manaʻo with Kirk as well.

I kind of complain about the workload when looking at you guys, so I'm good.

We're not too bad because we're here four months, but yeah, but then we're thankful we can go back to our islands and address... We're doing the people's work, but we can go back to our constituents. Yes. Okay. Now we're so happy that I'm not sure where Michael found you. But you have very interesting background, and we appreciate the work. And I'm sure all of those that have been supportive of yourself as well appreciates and are with you all the way. So let's share. Let's hear how you can add to the work before you.

As a kumu and a kanaka Hawaii, I really think about the... And just to be able to serve the ʻāina, serve Kaho‘olawe is just a natural thing. And we've been going to Kaho‘olawe since I was a junior in high school, and I am... I've grown into adult and bring my keiki to Kaho‘olawe since they're like 2 years old.

So the impact that Kaho‘olawe has on me and I've seen that same kind of impact start at a young age for my kids. I just want to try and bring that impact to as many people as possible because it's something that we're missing is connection to ʻāina and really valuing that deep bond that we should have and care for land, care for Hawaii, and hope to be able to continue that through this kuleana.

Yeah. Members, any questions that you may have? Mahalo again. And we'll be making decision upon after our last GM mahalo. Thank you so much. Okay. All right, we will proceed then with GM770. And this is submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Commission on Water Resource Management nominee Hannah Springer for a term to expire June 30, 2028.

Okay, Tara, here we go. Now it's my turn.

Okay. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair and Members of the Committee, I'm so happy to be here with you today to testify on behalf of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. My name is Kira Kahohane. I am the Deputy Director for the Commission on Water Resource Management.

We strongly support the governor's appointment of Hannah Kihaleni Springer to serve on the Commission on water resource management. Ms. Springer is highly qualified for this appointment and she will bring to the Commission an extraordinary record of public service, community advocacy and steadfast dedication to environmental and cultural stewardship.

As the loyal water Commissioner, she will ensure that indigenous knowledge systems are not only represented, but meaningfully engaged in shaping water policies. Her ability to elevate and articulate the Ike of place based communities will significantly strengthen the work that we are doing.

We look forward to her leadership as a cultural expert whose life and work exemplify a profound commitment to Kuleana Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of the nomination and appointment of Hannah Kihaleni Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management.

Mahalo. Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

Hello. Chair. Vice Chair, Members of the Committee.

Hello. Okay. It's good to have you back. Le Mana. Okay. On zoom. County Council of Maui. Kayani Rollins Fernandez. It not present.

Chair.

Okay. Sends communication in support. Oha?

Vice Chair Lante Members of the Committee, Lena Holloway. On wine and prayers. We'll stand on our written testimony in strong support.

But since Ant Ham is in the room, I just want to mahalo her for years of service and dedications to the uniform my community as a true leader and someone who has given up herself for others.

Mahalo Olan Fisher.

Testify.

Yeah. Yeah, please. Yeah. Whoever wants to come up and speak into the mic, please feel comfortable.

Aloha, Alex Punani. No Kahalu. I'm here today on behalf of Kua Ulua Wamo to stand in to stand upon our written testimony in support support of Auntie as the Loya of the Water Commission. And I wanted to add a few personal notes after knowing Auntie Hannah for about 15 years now.

Auntie Hannah is a historian, a kilo, an orator, protector, salt of the Earth and an extension of the heavens. She's a storyteller, truth seeker, lesson finder, alignment builder, and the writer of the narrative that I put my faith in. Auntie Hannah bridges dualities. She's grassroots, she's a trustee.

She's on the ground, in the courtroom, in the mala in boardroom. She's in the community based subsistence fishing areas up Mauka to the community based subsistence forestry areas. She's a keynote speaker, but also a one on one listener and handholder. And she can tell you how much it rained last month, last year, last decade and beyond.

I remember commenting on her memory and she. She reframed it for me as survival. When aloe says olay Kavai, there's a different weight and a gravity to heed. Auntie Hannah has depths of ike to teach, share and guide us. She can tell us about water and she could tell us about life as well.

Earth justice. Harley, good to have you. Mahalo.

My name is Harley Broyles. I'm an attorney with Earthjustice and I'm testifying today in support of GM770, the confirmation of Hana Kihalani Springer to the Water Commission. This hearing comes after a year of controversy over the nomination process.

And this Committee finally has the opportunity to confirm an appointee that was lawfully selected and is fit for the Loya role. Ms. Springer is also, without a question, a true Loya. This explains that it is what one does and how well she does it that shows whether she is an expert in a particular area. Ms.

Springer's credentials show her expertise and ability to do what the loa Commissioner role was created to do. Ensure the protection of traditional and customary rights of Ahupuaa tenants and the water rights of Kuleana and Taro lands. She is precisely what our vi and our community needs on the Water Commission.

And I just want to take a moment to thank this Committee for the opportunity to testify and Cherry Noye for your leadership and ensuring the best candidates are selected and confirmed for this role.

Mahalo as well. Malia Lewis on Zoom.

Not present Chair.

Okay. For Laiopua 2020. And we all know Laiopua is in West Hawaii and in Kona. Malia Olivera. Moku moku o Mano Kalani Ipoh Kauai. On Zoom.

Also not present Chair.

Okay. And sense support Poleka Goro Inaba, the council chair for County Council Hawaii. Kaikea Nakachi. Hui Kahuvai. On zoom it the present chair. Okay.

Can you hear me?

Oh, yes, yes. Proceed. Is that you?

Thank you. Yep, this is me. I'm here as an individual and as a representative of the organization, Hui Kahuai. I stand on our written testimony and strong support of Auntie Hannah's appointment and just wanted to share that I've had the privilege to learn and work alongside Auntie Hannah in Kekahawaiole the waterless lands of Kona on Hawaii Island.

Some years, we received less than a foot of rain. And I'm blessed to have many, many lessons from Auntie Hannah over the years. She contains generational knowledge of not just surviving, but thriving in these dry and arid lands. And I think she brings so much to the table.

And I think all of Hawaii has much to learn from Auntie Hannah. And considering the previous appointments to this Commission, I would say her experience, her integrity and cultural understanding is extremely needed and strongly support her appointment. Mahalo.

Mahalo to you, too. Mike Nakachi, Moana Ohana on Zoom.

Non present chair.

Okay, Mahalo. All right. Dr. Pang, please.

Late testimony. Support testimony.

Okay. Mahalo. All right. Okay, we do have, let's see 2468 almost nine people on zoom. And we do have. Is anyone here that wanted to speak that have not. I mean, then we'll go on those on zoom right now. Okay. Sierra Club. Yep. Yes.

Good afternoon again, Chair. Bunch of Members of the Committee. We're in strong support of this nomination. You know, there's not much I think I can really add, you know, to the 454 pages of supportive testimony.

But, you know, I will echo, I think, what others have said about my personal experiences over the last 15 years with Auntie Hannah.

I've just been so privileged and so blessed to work with her and to learn from her so many things about, you know, integrity, about compassion, about dedication to place and to Hawaii and the power of aloha, kekahi kekahi. And, you know, the Water Commission is going to have to make some really tough decisions. Right.

We're in a bad place right now with what's happening to our planet and how it's going to affect Hawaii. And water is going to be one of the most important things that we need to focus on. And I almost wish Auntie Hannah could just retire after a lifetime of dedication. But, you know, we need her.

We need someone with her.

It's not going to happen.

Not that soon.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah. It might be a little unrealistic, but I'm just fully confident in, you know, having her play this role. You know, it's incredibly vital role on the Water Commission.

And, you know, I think it's evident that, you know, well, we will be there to support her and evident that the community will also be there to support her and support the Commission as well. So I have to answer your questions. Otherwise, thank you so much for hearing this nomination.

Thank you. Kekula Kaipuni o Kekau Nikki and I think that was sesame shim. zero, come. Yeah, here we go. Okay. Yes. Please come on out.

Let me try.

Yes, come on up. No, you can.

No, you guys come down with a terminal.

Yeah. And you can pull up the chair right there too. There you go.

Aloha my O Chair Ino, Vice Chair Elephante and Members of the of the Committee on Water and Land. My name is Kikal Levy Farm for the opportunity to testify in strong support for the selection of Hannah Springer to serve as Water Commission loyal.

As we continue to raise awareness about our worries over how our layo will be heard in protecting the water resource. We're grateful the Governor followed the law and selected a nominee from this provided list an outstanding candidate, Hannah Kihalani Springer.

Giving her standing as a highly respected culture practitioner, community leader and as a lineal descendant of Kaupulehu and Kuki O. She fills a critical gap in the cultural knowledge currently lacking on the Water Commission. Water is not only essential no Keola. But for the continuation of the sacred legacy of our kupuna.

Without it, the legacy ends with us. But with her deep commitment and cultural wisdom, Auntie Hannah stands ready to ensure that this legacy not only endures but thrives for many generations to come. I respectively urgent that the Committee recommend that the Senate confirms Auntie Hannah's nomination. Mahalo for your time.

Aloha Chair Ishinoe, Vice Chair El Fate and Members of the Committee on Water and Land for the opportunity to submit testimony and strong support of the nomination of Hana Kehalani Springer to serve as the Water Commission's loyal.

As an opio who has the privile of being grounded in Hawaii and emerged in Ike Hawaii, I've come to see firsthand how vital our pina to buy truly is. Growing up in a time where water mismanagement and misguided decisions have become far too common.

I've witnessed how greed, corruption and moral failure have allowed the mismanagement and neglect of our bite. Treating this precious life giving force as if it were limitless indispensable. Our generation is living with the consequences of choices that did not prioritize sustainability, culture understanding and long term thinking.

Auntie Hannah Springer committed her life to Malama Ina and Malama Bai. Guided by Pono and Ike Kupuna. Her guidance can help restore balance to how we manage by honoring both traditional practices and modern needs. For the sake of our future generations.

I strongly urge the Committee to recommend that the Senate advise and consent to Auntie Hannah Springer's nomination as outlined in PM770. Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration Vice Chair Elephante and Committee Members.

Today I'm here to testify. Today I am here to testify in strong support of the election of Auntie Hanaki Alani Springer to serve as the Water Commission. Loyal I stand on my written testimony but to like would like to share one major point with you.

I come from a small community of Hana where many cultural traditions are practiced around water. Water is culture. It connects us to our past and is continuously found in our moolelo, oli and mokuoho. Why keeps our culture traditions alive like kalo terrafirming and fishing.

Why builds pilina to our kupuna by keeping their Ike alive in those Hawaiian practices? Because of Auntie Hannah's experiences and filina with community. She has proven to be acknowledgeable and supportive of the Ike and I have faith that with her inner loisi our fighting culture practices across the pie.

I know for you will have a proper voice in decision making. I want water to be rightfully managed for the benefit of the people and land and years from now I want to see the abundance of thriving ecosystems from Moko to makai just as my kupuna's witness. Mahalo for your time.

I'm I am honored to express my strong support for the nomination of Hana Kehalani Springer as the Water Commission's loyalty. After our many advocacies, we appreciate the Governor's decision to select her a mana wahine and highly qualified individual who will bring much needed Ike Hawaii to the Water Commission.

In Hawaiian traditions as seen in the kumulipo kanaka are interconnected to our resources. We as Hawaiians are constantly neglected and stripped of our traditions due to unethical decisions made about what we prioritize in the use of our way.

As a student of Kulakai pune o kekaulike, a hula practitioner and a youth, I believe that appointing the knowledgeable and well educated Auntie Hannah will ensure the preservation of vaya in ways that benefit the collective.

Her ability to bring people together to find balanced solutions and to encourage work as a collective will be crucial to the work of the Commission moving forward. I respectfully urge the Committee to recommend that the Senate advise and consent to Auntie Hannah Springer's nomination.

Mahalo Nui wal Mahalo as well. And we appreciate I understand you folks traveled to get here and we certainly appreciate that you of your age group has been active in politics and also in your community and the needs that so well needed caring and we certainly appreciate that you folks are involved with the community.

And I know we see you again because you were all here last year in our other issues before the Committee. And we certainly appreciate that you took the time, but also be active. And to you folks as well, the chair would like to recognize my. Our colleague Senator Tim Richards here.

He is not on the Committee, but he also chairs the chair. He's the chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee and he represents Council District 4, Hawaii Island, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea. And appreciate your attendance, Senator. All right. Auntie Vicki Holt. Hey, Aloha. Good to see you again. Good to see you. Appreciate your support.

Yes, I love sharing. And Vice Chair Elephante and Members of the Committee. Mahalo, Nuilo. I was just on Hawaii island, so my son is in from Hawaii Island.

I know you told me that sometime. That's why we enjoy seeing I know our island.

I'm so proud of the appeal. Oh, yes. So maybe, Hannah, we can retire sometime soon and see the next generation. Exactly. Stand on my written testimony. But I really want to thank all of you for entertaining this.

This hearing for GM770 to honor Hannah Spring up north for many, many years and truly a lawyer, truly someone who is. Who is fully qualified to serve on this Commission to do the best for our and represent our community well. So mahalo Nuilo. Thank you.

Mahalo. Good to see you. All right. Okay, let's do. We're running out of time soon, but we're going to accept those on zoom it. I'm going to call the names if they're prepared. Candace Fujikane.

Not present. Sure.

Okay. Leonard Nakoa, also not present. Okay. Bianca Isaki.

Not present.

All right. Mana Vayakea, also not present. Okay. And these are all in support and they're offered to testify, but on zoom. Deandre Makakoa.

Also not present.

Okay. Kanolani Stewart. Present. Yes. Mahalo back again. All right. Good to see you again. Aloha.

Oh, no. Hey, Leo. Kako Opihake. No kea, no Anake. Hannah just wanted to first mahalo you guys for this opportunity again to testify in strong support of GM770 for Auntie Hana for the aloe seat. You know, coming from Lahaina, we've been pretty strong advocates for our bay for the past decade.

Always trying to show up for county and see where meetings that are addressing our bay. And so, as you know, this lower seat is extremely important for Aina as well as us as a people. People who love, care and tend to Aina with the Next generation in mind.

And that is exactly what Auntie Hannah is as the for the best choice for the seat. I first met auntie about 10 years ago while working with the Nature Conservancy Hawaii. I just wanted to add on to what everyone else has already shared about her. She's extremely thoughtful about the generations to come. She values place based knowledge.

She is Kama Ina familiar to research data and strives for restoration of productive and abundant Ina. Since the 2023 fires, people all across the Aina across our have learned how traditional practices support a stable and thriving environment.

With her tremendous wisdom, knowledge and experience, we believe that Auntie Hannah is a Pono leader, a strong advocate who is intimately familiar with and will prioritize these practices.

For your support. Kalama Ehu Takahashi on zoom Present.

Sorry I said Jeremy, I'm going to just turn off my video fast. I just wanted to support the previous testimony as well as all the others in support of GM770 for Anake. She's been in, she's involved in many, many, I don't know, many realms and many communities across Hawaii that are looking for Pono stewardship of their place.

The stories and then their, their inherent resources as well. And so I see her as, as the cohopono or the correct choice for this type of seat. Particularly when we have a lot of different issues coming up in Lahaina as well that will have to.

That will basically literally make or break our aquifer and other and other resources associated with those places and these resources.

I just, I look forward to seeing her in these meetings and I just hope that we can, we can find a way forward through all these things, particularly with things coming up in the next few weeks such as sustainable yield and discussing what, what is the Pono use or the proper uses of this resource.

I hope that we can find a way to ensure that all of our community voices are heard, particularly our Kamar Keki Nahopapa, the linear descendants of our communities. And I just wanted to leave it at that. And we hope that we can we see more. We can see more Lo' Ea.

We can see more Loea and more Hawaii on the in these positions as we the people of this place are genetic, not more genetically.

But thank you. Yes.

Okay. Thank you.

All right, thank you. Kamana Beamer. Aloha. Are you on zoom?

Not present. Sure.

Okay. Sense testimony in support Lanson on Zoom.

Also not present.

Okay, we have Members 308 support communications. Is there anyone here who wants to come up and speak on behalf of GM770, Lorraine, Senator and others of the Committee.

I'm here only because I have known Hannah. I've known you long.

To tell us who you are again.

Kaliko Chun. I'm with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. But I'm here in my personal capacity as a friend of Hannah's.

For a very long time, I was Big island girl.

Give you her and you her. You Members the wholehearted support of my Ohana and Kuna. And they join with her generations of Kupuna to give her support, too. I know that she is thorough and meticulous in her research. And she loves to do research on everything.

And she has already with Kona and Ko being, of course, kama, as she says to the aina of Kekaha Kona. She knows much already, but she will keep on learning and with the help of her kupuna who will help her also. And so I just wanted to state this frankly.

We're relieved that it's finally the nominee and we can all support.

All right. Okay. Yes, please. One more and then we can have.

Thank you so much. I am so sorry. I know you're short on time. And I thought about should I or shouldn't I? And then I felt like I should because I come from her generation. I have known her for over 20 years.

When I was President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Hannah was an integral part to our leadership, to giving or to guiding us in making informed decisions on resolutions that came before us. I just wanted to say that her voice was respected then and today it is respected.

And even more important, she is a kupuna who mentors younger people. I have a niece that told me that she visited with Hannah. She was. My niece was going for her doctorate and how helpful she was. So she's open, she's sharing. She's an excellent mentor for our young people too, as well.

Okay. All right. Our GM 770, Hannah Springer. Aloha. Oh, okay. Okay. Yeah. Have a seat. We will. The chair will allow. Kamana, I understand you're on zoom. Will I give you time?

Oh, yes. He's presenter. He just left the meeting.

Okay. Sorry. Good seeing you.

Yes.

Aloha. Just. Yeah.

Yes.

Proceed.

Yes. Yes. Just strong support for Auntie Hannah and stand together with everyone here in support.

Okay. All right. Well, we kind of miss you as well since you left one of our commissions and your brothers. So we appreciate you taking time today. Mahalo. Yes. Mahalo. Mahalo. All right. Okay. All right. Ms. Six, Ms. 770. We should go back to saying Arhanna Springer. Aloha. Aloha.

The dry lands of Kona.

Aloha as well. Certainly. I think we're at the point today, and I'm happy that before end of session, we're able to have you here.

And I think it's a weight that many here and many out there has been looking forward to it and pleased that we're at this point we have a qualified person, one that is, as we sat and chatted, and I've known Auntie Hannah all of my life on the Big island and has been very impressed that we were able to sit down and hear her speak and some of the questions that we raised and for her outstanding response that our Members have received as well.

So going forward, you know, what are the goals that, you know, you want to accomplish, you know, during at least the first term that you have? And we're going to enjoy having you for the first term expiration on June 302028. And here we are.

The first question that I would ask is, is Kane in the heavens? Is Kane being fetched by the forest? Is Kane percolating from the forest to the aquifer? And from the aquifer, does Kane travel to the sea? I'll be looking to see where people intercept Kane. I'll be looking to see where people interact with Kane.

And are we respectful? Are we manipulative? I'll be looking to see if we use the best technology and the best critical thinking that we have to be worthy of the time that we spend with Kane.

Too often in this time, as a citizen observing the goings on Hawaii, n I see responsible water resources management and progressive housing development being cast as mutually exclusive to one another, when rightfully so, they're mutually dependent upon one another. You know, I think about the.

The ike and the manao of the Poikahiko, and you wouldn't build a lo I where you did not have the water. The same thing with the places where we live.

We need to be better at sighting land use that is appropriate to the water resources that are readily available and learn better how to grow the water and manage it with ponmo. So I look forward to being a Part of that conversation. We may not always be in agreement, but we can show respect.

We can be curious about one another. And as I heard, we work together in righteousness.

Absolutely. Absolutely. Now, I think I may have asked you or shared with you a bill that I had introduced last year and more so a bill that has to do with the Commission. And I shared this as well with Kira when she was appointed, when she came on as the Director of CWorm, who replaced Kaleo Manuel.

From 1979 under Governor Ariyoshi, the request from the Water Commission was to create an authority that the Water Commission be independent and become their own authority. And Bill Patey, at that time, the Commission requested to the Governor that that Commission be independent. 1984, it was approached again to the Legislature. We're in 2025 again.

It appeared before the Legislature before my time and before many of us here in the early 1992. I believe as a former planning Commissioner for Hawaii island and as well as you were thereafter, it's so important that we preserve the Ayes.

Now, the bill that I created and I introduced was to do that, to make sure that our water Commission becomes its own authority. It passed the Senate and it's got stuck in the House. Okay. I tried again and it's still stuck. Okay.

So hopefully next year when you're already in place, that we can understand the thought behind it, the importance of cworm, be as independent as possible. Take out the politics from the management.

Right now, if some of you don't understand how it's created and those on zoom, the Governor appoints the DLNR Director, and between the two of them, then they will decide how CWM is managed. The difference between that and an authority is the authority Members, the commissioners will appoint the Executive Director.

So it's the maintenance and the management of the Commission itself. And I believe, I think it's about time that we venture and hopefully be as independent as possible. And we're all here. We got elected to do the people's work.

And I believe that CWORM and the commissions that we appoint and confirm that you are able to do your work without the politics involved. And I am sure, and Auntie Vicky has been nodding her head because she came twice to come and testify during the times we had the hearing for that.

Hopefully that we have all of you back when we hear our measure next year again. So how do you feel about that?

It's an intriguing Proposition. In my young citizenship, when the time of the 1978 Constitutional Convention came to pass, I looked with respect to the likes of Makua Peyti, Makua Sterling, Makua De Soto, and of course, that was also the time of the Chief Justice Richardson.

So it was intriguing to see the aspirations of Nahwai be put forward in that setting, watched with interest as the work of the Commission has come to be and has evolved.

My primary duty as a trustee would be first to be loyal to the Trust, to expose it to no harm, to not be involved with any conflict of interest, and to make sure that the beneficiaries of the Trust are duly informed to the Administration, the management and the work that is to be done on behalf of the Trust.

So I would look with great interest and weigh judiciously and prudently the measure is presented to us. I look forward to every aspirational and practical application that will best serve Kanika Vai Ola and Nahavai Inevitable. So I look forward to hearing the measure.

I look forward to reading it and studying it and voting appropriately on it should it come before me.

Mahalo. Thank you. Okay, Members, any questions or comments you'd like to share? Otherwise, I think we're down to some time that we have our resolutions. However, we are going to make decision now on the GMs instead of waiting after the resolutions, so.

Sure. Senator DeCorte.

Just really quick, I just would like to thank you and all of the nominees for being here today. Also, I did spend some time with Hannah. I think it was yesterday or the day before. Yes. But I did want to thank you. I believe that the Governor did make the right choice.

I believe that you will stand strong with our Lahui, making sure to protect our cultural practices and the traditional values that we hold very dear to our hearts. I could tell from the time that we had together that you're very Stern, but that also we could use that to benefit and advance who we are as a people.

I know that also you will make the best judgment calls and not be pressured when it comes to maybe some Executive decisions, whatever that may be. But you know, it really did remind me and I was just really encouraged through Auntie Pilahipaki who had shared.

Because right now the times that we are in environmentally, but also in her quote, she had said that the world who is looking for peace will look to Hawaii because Hawaii has the key. And that key is aloha. And I feel that that spirit very much resonates with you as well. I know that you'll make porno decisions.

I know you'll be strong when it comes, not when it's time to be strong and you'll show aloha when it's time to show aloha. So with that, I just wanted to say thank you very much for your service. Thank you for all that you have done for our lahui and beyond.

And seeing our appeal here is really a reflection of your leadership skills and to see the young ones really want to gravitate towards that. I was very moved and I was very compelled with your testimonies and everybody that was here today. But I did just want to say that thank you very much. Mahalo.

Okay.

All right. Yes. Senator McKelvey.

Thank all the nominees, since we're voting on all the nominees. Right. And so I want to thank all of them for stepping up and providing an instrumental service and particularly to, you know, to Hannah.

And, you know, your wisdom, especially in the ODA well thing, which I just was reading about, is going to be absolutely, you know, critical in providing guidance for the Commission. And, you know, your measured approach and your view on housing, too. It was really aligned with what I think.

So I want to thank all of you, and I just look forward to the official vote to advise and consent.

Okay. All right. Yes. Senator Elefante.

Thank you. Madam Chair. Just some brief comments. I just want to thank each and every one of you who have answered the call to serve, whether it's on the Kirk or Auntie Hannah for serving on Cworm. Thank you, Madam Chair, for holding this hearing.

I did spend some time with all the nominees, and I do believe all of them are very well qualified and have the passion to serve. Thank you.

All right. Okay. The Committee on Water and Land is going into decision making on all of the governors. Okay. All right, we're going to leave, you guys. You're disturbing my meeting. But anyway, thank you. All right. All right. Just for your information, today, annually the Senate and the House creates and makes Easter baskets.

And I think this year is going into the women in, I think the prisons and domestic violence and making sure that they have a nice Easter. And annually, I don't know who this year's it's one of our reps or both of our reps, and there's a contest going on. We don't know who they are. Okay, let's proceed.

Okay. Let's proceed. Oh. Okay, maybe it's the one that I voted for. Let's proceed. The Committee on Water and Land for GM 745, the nominee of Thorne Abbott, the term to expire June 30, 2029 to the Natural Area Reserve System Commission. Chair's recommendation is to advice and consent. Any discussions? Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote. Chair votes aye.

Chair recommendation is to advise and consent on GM 745. Chair and Vice Chair vote aye. [Roll Call] Madam Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Okay. Thank you. GM 783, Benton Pang, term to expire June 30, 2028 to the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission. Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent. Okay. Any discussions? Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote. Chair votes aye.

Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent on GM 783. Of the five Members present, any no votes or votes with reservations? Hearing none. Madam Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Okay. Mahalo. GM 762, consideration and confirmation to the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission, Jensen Chock, term to expire June 30, 2029. Any discussions? Hearing none. Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent. Okay. Chair for the Vice Chair for the vote. Chair votes aye.

Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent on GM 762. Of the five Members present, any no votes or votes with reservations? Hearing none. Madam Chair, your recommendation is adopted okay.

For GM 770, Hannah Springer, term to expire June 30, 2028, consideration and confirmation to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent Any discussions? Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote. Chair votes aye.

Chair's recommendations to advise and consent on GM 770. Of the five Members present, any no votes with reservations? Hearing none. Madam Chair, yourrecommendation is adopted.

Okay. Congratulations. And IT, the committee is going to take a short recess before we go into our resolutions because we'd like to congratulate our commissioners as well and have some picture taken. Thank you.

The Committee on Water and Land is now back into its agenda.

We were in recess and we will proceed with the agenda of April 11th on the resolutions before us. On HCR 40 urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to work with committed community groups to co steward community forests located on public lands for the betterment of the state forests communities. DLNR Heather Yes.

Heather McMillan, Urban and Community correspondent with DLNR. We stand on our written testimony in support.

Mahalo. Thank you so much. Olan Fisher testifying for kuina Ulu Aumu and this is KUA in support. Purple Maya foundation in support. Irene Spector of the Hawaii Forest Industry Association in support. Is there anyone else wishing to speak to HCR 40 come forward. Okay. Hearing none. Members, any questions? Then we'll proceed with HCR 122, House Draft 1.

And this is requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish a collaborative working group to survey, identify, and monitor culturally sensitive shorelines impacted by erosion. Okay. Leinaʻala Ley, OHA.

Yes. Mahalo, Chair. OHA stands on its written testimony in support.

Mahalo. Any questions, Members? Is there anyone else wishing to speak to HCR 122, House Draft 1? Hearing none. We will proceed with HCR 128, House Draft 1, reaffirming the state's obligation to uphold the constitutional rights of its people by recognizing the critical role of fresh water in maintaining healthy nearshore marine ecosystems. Okay. DLNR, Ciara.

Aloha. Ciara Kahahane, DLNR, Commission on Water Resource Management. We'll stand on our written testimony in support of this resolution. Mahalo.

And no suggested amendments or anything, just complete...

We're very happy with the language that's in there.

Okay. Well, we're happy too. All right. Okay. Wayne Tanaka on Zoom. Okay. He's... That's right. He was still... Okay. He sends communication in support. On Zoom, Sayada Jacobs-Williams. Aloha. Proceed. Welcome.

Thank you. Aloha, Chair,Vice Chair, Members of the Committee. I'm a social work student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and I'm here today in strong support of HCR... of HCR 128, HD 1. I believe that this resolution addresses something fundamental to Hawaii, the importance of protecting fresh water resources, not only for environmental reasons, but also for the well being of communities, cultural survival, and justice.

Fresh water is more than a resource. It is a living part of our ecosystems, integral to the health and our near shore waters and deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian knowledge and practices. When that flow is interrupted or polluted, it does harm not only to nature, but to the communities who have always cared for and depended on these waters for generations.

As a future social worker, I see how this resolution is directly tied to competency 10 of the social worker of the social work professional framework. This competency calls on us to engage with, honor, and respect indigenous cultures and knowledge systems and to critically examine how colonial structures have historically marginalized these voices.

Supporting this resolution is one way we can move toward decolonized professional practice. It is a step toward acknowledging the wisdom of Native Hawaiian stewardship and standing in solidarity with their efforts to protect the ‘Āina and Wai. Thank you. Mahalo for your time and opportunity to testify today.

Thank you for being with us today, and thank you for your testimony. Jenny Yagodich, Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea, sends communication in support. As well as the Marine Advocates, Olan Fisher, Malia Heimuli, Chris Cramer, and Uilani Naipo. Is there anyone else wishes to speak to HCR 128, HD 1? And Mr. Tanaka, we called you. We welcome you back.

Thank you very much. We'll proceed with HCR 191. House Draft 1 requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a Kailua Bay advisory working group. Okay. DLNR. I don't see Megan here as well but there sends in testimony Carolyn Anderson, HTA. Okay. And Angela Young. Are you on Zoom?

Not present chair.

Sense communication in support. Anyone else wishes to speak to HCR191 House Draft 1 seeing none then let's proceed then. Members going into decision making on the resolutions before us for HCR40 chair's recommendation that we pass this measure as is. One second. Okay. No technicals. All right. As is. And DLNR's written testimony was in strong support.

All right. Okay.

Chair's recommendation is to pass this measure as is. Any discussions? Okay. Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote Chair goes aye.

Church recommendations to pass HDR40 on amended chair and Vice Chair vote aye. Senator Chang is excused. Senator McKelvey? Yes. Senator DeCord I Madam Chair Recommendations adopted.

Okay. Thank you. HCR 122 requesting DLNR to establish a collaborative working group to survey, identify and monitor culturally sensitive shorelines impacted by erosions. Chair's recommendation is to pass this measure as is Any discussions? Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote. Chair close Aye.

Charge. Recommendations to pass ACR 122 on amended of the four Members present any no votes or votes or reservations? Hearing none. Madam Chair Recommendations adopted.

Thank you. HCR128 reaffirming the state's obligation to uphold the constitutional rights of its people by recognizing the critical role of fresh water in maintaining healthy nearshore marine ecosystems. Chair recommends that the we pass this measure as is Any discussions? Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote Chair goes aye.

Chair's recommendations to pass HCR 128 on amended of the four Members present any no votes or votes or reservations? Hearing none. Madam Chair recommendations adopted.

Okay. Thank you. Chair's recommendation on HCR191 to pass this measure as is Any discussions? Yep. Hearing none. Vice Chair for the vote Chair goes aye.

Chair's recommendations to pass HDR 191 unamended of the four Members present any no votes or votes or reservations Hearing none. Madam Chair Recommendations adopted.

Okay. Thank you. Members. This concludes our water and land hearings getting ready for conference. All right, Good luck, everyone. Thank you.