Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Community Development Authority (He'eia District), Gubernatorial Nominee, JO-ANN LEONG, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

2026 Regular Session

Transmits the Governor’s nomination of Jo-Ann Leong to join the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority for the Heʻeia District, confirming a term to June 30, 2030.

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) McKelvey).

#hawai'icommunitydevelopmentauthority(he'eiadistrict)

Overview

Bill type: Gubernatorial Nomination for advisory/consent

Jurisdiction: Hawaii, Legislature

Subject: Submission for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) for the Heʻeia District

Nominee: Jo-Ann Leong

Term: To expire June 30, 2030

Status: Confirmed by the Senate (as of 2026-04-30). Senate vote: 24 aye, 0 nay, 1 excused.

Purpose and Intent

The bill transmits the Governor’s nomination of Jo-Ann Leong to serve on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority, specifically for a seat representing the Heʻeia District.

The accompanying action is for the Hawaii Senate to advise and consent to the appointment, thereby confirming Leong to a fixed term on HCDA.

Key Provisions and Changes

Nomination and Confirmation Process: The bill details the formal submission of Jo-Ann Leong’s nomination to the Senate for advisory and consent, consistent with standard gubernatorial appointments to HCDA.

Term Length: Leong would serve a term ending June 30, 2030, subject to confirmation and any applicable statutory requirements governing HCDA board members.

Authority and Role (HCDA): While not redefining the HCDA’s mission, the appointment integrates Leong into the statutory governance framework of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, which oversees planning and development activities within designated districts.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Applicant/Nominee: Jo-Ann Leong becomes a HCDA board member for the Heʻeia District, contributing to decisions on development, planning, and community initiatives in that district.

Residents and Stakeholders in Heʻeia District: Potential benefits or impacts through HCDA-led projects, zoning, infrastructure, and community development initiatives within the Heʻeia district.

HCDA and Hawaii State Government: Governance continuity and expertise on the HCDA board, with an additional term ending 2030.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Committee Review: The Senate’s WLA (W Ways and Means/ Ways and Means? In Hawaii, WLA is the Committee on Water, Land, and Ocean Resources? Regardless, a Senate standing committee evaluated the nomination. The committee reported favorably with a recommendation to Advise and Consent. Votes: 5-0 in favor; no reservations, no opposition, no excused.

Public Hearing: Scheduled by the committee for 4/15/2026.

House/Senate Action: The bill proceeded through the usual confirmation process; on 4/30/2026, the Senate confirmed Jo-Ann Leong with a unanimous aye vote (24-0) and 1 abstention/excused.

Notes for Readers

The document reflects a standard gubernatorial appointment process, culminating in Senate confirmation.

The information includes specific dates and vote counts, indicating a smooth confirmation with broad support.

No substantive policy changes to HCDA authority are indicated; rather, this bill formalizes the appointment of a commissioner to the HCDA board for a defined term.

Bill