Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, Gubernatorial Nominee, MICHELLE NOE NOE WONG-WILSON, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

2026 Regular Session

Nominates Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson for a defined term on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, subject to Senate confirmation.

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

#maunakeastewardshipandoversightauthority

Summary of GM 740 (Session 2026) – Hawaii

Purpose of the Bill

To submit for consideration and confirmation by the Senate a gubernatorial nomination to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA).

Nominee: Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson

Term: Expiration date set for June 30, 2029

The bill reflects the Governor’s authority to appoint a member to the MKSOA and seeks Senate confirmation as part of the proper constitutional process.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal nomination of Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

Establishes or confirms a term of office ending June 30, 2029 for the nominated member.

The act is procedural, enabling the appointment through the State’s confirmation process rather than substantive policy changes or new program authorities.

Who/What is Affected

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA): The body to which the nomination is made; requires stewardship, oversight, and governance related to Mauna Kea.

Michelle Noe Noe Wong-Wilson: The individual being nominated and who would serve as a Member of the MKSOA if confirmed.

Hawaii Senate: Responsible for the confirmation process, hearings, and final Advise and Consent on the nomination.

Procedural/Timelines

Nomination submitted by the Governor to the Senate for consideration and confirmation (per Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution).

Public hearing scheduled earlier in the process; committee recommendation indicates the nominee is suitable for Advise and Consent.

Committee action history:

Referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Administration (WLA) on March 10, 2026.
WLA recommended Advise and Consent (Committee Stand. Rep. No. 4009) on April 23, 2026.
Public hearing held April 23, 2026.

Senate confirmation: The record shows a final confirmation on May 8, 2026, with 24 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 excused; no reservations noted.

Notable Details

The available action history reflects a standard constitutional confirmation process with public hearings and committee votes preceding Senate action.

The bill is largely administrative in nature, intended to fill a vacancy on the MKSOA for a defined term.

Practical Implications

If confirmed, Wong-Wilson would participate in decision-making regarding Mauna Kea stewardship and oversight, contributing to governance, policy guidance, and oversight activities related to the mountain.

The term-limited appointment ensures periodic review and renewal of governance roles within the MKSOA.