Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 114, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of Mr. Yogi's nomination from the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Comptroller, the Director of Budget and Finance, the Director of Collective Bargaining and the Associate Director of Human Resources of the University of Hawaii, nine branch chiefs and a special assistant of the Department of Human Resources Development, the personnel directors of the Judiciary, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and the counties of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, the United Public Workers, the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and two individuals. The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly submitted testimony that questioned the propriety of a single person holding both the position of Chief Negotiator for the State and as Director of Human Resources Development.

Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee will work with compassion and commitment in heading the Department of Human Resources Development. In his capacities as Vice President of Environmental Operations and Government Affairs and Director of Employee Relations at C. Brewer and Company, Ltd., as well as a Field Service Officer of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the nominee demonstrated the ability to lead and to carry out the responsibilities of those offices. Your Committee finds that the nominee has been appointed based upon his credentials, integrity, and a desire to make Hawaii better through his participation as the Director of Human Resources Development.

In addressing the concern of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly over Mr. Yogi serving as both the Director of Human Resources Development and as Chief Negotiator for the State, your Committee notes that the United Public Workers testified in support of Mr. Yogi's ability to balance his duties as the personnel director for the State and his role as Chief Negotiator. However, Your Committee remains concerned over the amount of responsibility both roles place on Mr. Yogi, especially in light of the ongoing implementation of civil service reforms adopted last year.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.