Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 117 submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the resume and other background information submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that Marie Y. Okamura has five years experience as a certified public accountant and served the last nineteen years with the Department of Taxation. In 1981, Ms. Okamura began her career with the Department of Taxation as a field auditor. Three years later she was serving as chief of the revenue accounting branch. In 1987, Ms. Okamura began serving as the head of the tax services and processing division which ultimately led to her appointment in 1999 as Deputy Director of Taxation. In addition, during her years of service with the Department of Taxation, Ms. Okamura was once named the Employee of the Year and twice named Manager of the Year.

Testimony in support of the nominee was submitted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Director and three Deputy Directors of the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Deputy Director of Taxation, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, two former Directors of Taxation (one submitted oral testimony), a former Deputy Attorney General, the Senior Commissioner's Hawaii Representative for the Internal Revenue Service, Rosenberg & Hong, American Management Systems, Inc., Hawaii Association of Realtors, and four individuals.

The testimony in support indicated that Ms. Okamura is dedicated to ensuring that the services provided to the public are professional, efficient, and friendly. Her superior knowledge of taxation administration coupled with her approachable style has earned her the respect, admiration, and fondness of those she works with. Ms. Okamura's ability to initiate, plan, direct, and complete large complex projects was particularly noted.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means 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.