Senate Judiciary Committee advises and consents to Rose Medina Kemna for Commission on the Status of Women

The Senate Committee on Judiciary voted to advise and consent to Governor's Message 666, confirming Rose Medina Kemna to the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women for a term to expire June 30, 2029.

Sherry Menor of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support, calling Kemna “one of the most sincere, authentic, and very caring persons.” Kemna spoke to the committee and described her background as a real estate broker and volunteer community leader, and said her experience in business and nonprofit work would help the commission address “a broad spectrum of issues that concern women and girls in Hawaii.”

The committee asked Kemna about her experience related to the commission’s work and about how the commission could respond to current challenges facing women. Kemna said she had met other commissioners on March 10 and emphasized workplace equity and small-business ownership as areas where her perspective would be useful. She told the committee the commission could “lead and level up our community” and support organizations feeling anxiety over recent changes in administrative policies.

After the hearing and discussion, the committee’s recommendation to “advise and consent” was put to a vote. Chair Rhodes, Acting Vice Chair Senator San Buenaventura, and Senator Awak voted aye. Senators Gabbard and Chang were recorded as excused. The chair announced the recommendation had been adopted.

Kemna thanked the committee after the vote. The committee recessed and then adjourned following further business.

Votes at a glance: GM 666 — Advise and consent; outcome adopted. Yes: Chair Rhodes, Acting Vice Chair (Senator San Buenaventura), Senator Awak. Excused: Senator Gabbard, Senator Chang.