Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, RICHARD MATSUDA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

2026 Regular Session

The bill confirms the gubernatorial appointment of Richard Matsuda to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for a term ending June 30, 2029.

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

#maunakeastewardshipandoversightauthority

Summary of GM 741 (Session 2026) – Hawaii

Purpose and Intent

This is a nomination resolution authorizing the Governor to submit for the Senate’s consideration and confirmation a gubernatorial appointment to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

Nominee: Richard Matsuda

Term expiration: June 30, 2029

Basis: Conforms to Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution, which governs confirmations of gubernatorial appointments.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal submission: The Governor has transmitted the nomination to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

Purpose of the entity: Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is the designated body responsible for overseeing stewardship and oversight related to Mauna Kea activities, policies, and related land or cultural resources—subject to Hawaii state law and the authority’s charter.

Term length: If confirmed, Matsuda would serve a fixed term ending on June 30, 2029.

Procedural mechanism: The bill formalizes the appointment process, triggering Senate review, potential hearings, and a confirmation vote.

Who/What is Affected

State government and governance: A member (Richard Matsuda) will join the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, contributing to leadership and decision-making for Mauna Kea stewardship.

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority: The member slot filled by Matsuda would influence the Authority’s decisions, policies, and oversight activities during the term.

Public stakeholders: Communities, cultural practitioners, researchers, educational institutions, and residents who rely on Mauna Kea stewardship policies may be affected indirectly through the Authority’s actions and governance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and transmission: March 6, 2026 (Executive Chamber letter to Senate leadership).

Senate action history:

Referred to WLA (Ways and Means/Legislative Affairs) on March 10, 2026.
Public hearing held on April 23, 2026.
Reported out of committee (WLA) with recommendation to Advise and Consent on April 23, 2026.
Senate confirmed on May 8, 2026: 24 votes in favor, 0 against, 1 excused.

Confirmation status: The bill represents the formal nomination and its Senate confirmation, completing the appointment process, with an expiration date set for June 30, 2029.

Notes for the Public

The bill itself is a confirmation instrument rather than standalone statutory changes. Its primary effect is to authorize and finalize the appointment of Richard Matsuda to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority for a defined term.

The exact duties, qualifications, and powers of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority are defined elsewhere in Hawaii law or the Authority’s governing instruments; this bill confirms one member’s appointment to that body.