DPR director urges quick confirmation of two nominees to restore Parks and Recreation commission quorum

Angel Sablan, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, told the Committee on Land, Environment, Housing, Agriculture, Parks and Infrastructure on April 7 that the DPR commission has been unable to hold meetings for roughly two to three years because it lacked sufficient membership and urged the Legislature to confirm two nominees so the commission can operate.

"It is very unfortunate that for the past 2, 3 years... we've never been able to have a meeting of the commission simply because we did not have the membership to even establish a quorum," Sablan said, asking lawmakers to approve Olin McElligot and Justin Guerra so the commission can meet and begin addressing user fees, public‑private partnerships and capital improvement projects.

Warren Pelletier, deputy director of DPR, reiterated that the agency has been unable to convene a commission meeting for years and asked legislators to support the nominees so staff can provide past minutes and plans to the full board. Current commission member John Paul Durking said he was confirmed in December 2024 and that the commission has lacked quorum since his appointment.

Nominees told the committee they can attend meetings if confirmed. Olin McElligot described a background in aviation and local volunteer activities and said his schedule is flexible: "My schedule is very flexible. So, yes, I will be able to." Justin Guerra, a reappointment candidate who cited youth‑sports involvement and facility use, said he is committed to attendance and stewardship of island facilities.

The committee did not take a confirmation vote and will advance committee reports for later legislative action; written statements on the hearing are accepted for seven days.