Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 234, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and the statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that James S. Kometani and Allan Los Banos, Jr., have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

Testimony in support of both the nominees was received from the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

Testimony in support of James Kometani was received from Mid-Pacific Institute and four individuals. Testimony in support of Allan Los Banos, Jr., was received from the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, District Council 50, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO, and a special assistant to the Governor.

James S. Kometani brings a broad understanding of real estate development, particularly with respect to the residential market. For the past twenty-five years, Mr. Kometani has been involved with the sale and management of numerous residential real estate projects throughout Hawaii. Since 1984, he has served as President and Principal Broker of James Kometani, Inc., Realtors, which specializes in residential project sales and also represents clients in the sale and leasing of commercial properties. Mr. Kometani also is involved in a range of community activities, currently serving as trustee of Mid-Pacific Institute, and as a member of the board of St. Francis Healthcare Enterprises, Inc., and of the Executive Committee of Friends of Hawaii Charities.

Allan Los Banos, Jr., brings a strong background in construction, community involvement, and an understanding of government operations through his years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Housing and Community Development Corporation and its predecessor, the Hawaii Housing Authority. Mr. Los Banos currently serves as Safety Coordinator/Program Specialist for the Hawaii Masons Union/Hawaii Masons & Plasterers Training Trust, and is responsible for environmental, health, and safety training for the members. He is also an instructor at the Honolulu Community College and conducts training courses in substance abuse, violence in the workplace, and stress management. Currently, Mr. Los Banos serves as Vice President of the AFL-CIO State Federation and is a member of the Board of Directors of Laulima Pacific.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.