Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 231, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and vision statement submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that Mike McCartney has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Testimony in support of the nominee was received from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and two board members, Department of Human Resources Development, a Trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HGEA-AFSCME Local 142, HSTA, ILWU Local 142, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, Hawaii Hotel Association, Kauai Economic Development Board, Ka`anapali Beach Hotel, ABC Stores, Annette's Adventures, Y. Hata, & Co., Limited, The Ko`olau News, and five individuals.

Mike McCartney is CEO and President of Hawaii Public Television, and the former Director of the Department of Human Resources Development. He served in the Hawaii State Senate from 1988 to 1998, where he chaired various committees and served as Senate Vice-President and Co-Majority Leader. Mr. McCartney is the cofounder and creator of "Hawaii Stars" and has helped produce numerous television programs in Hawaii. He is an active member of a wide range of professional and community organizations, including Live Aloha, Carole Kai Community Foundation, and Pacific Resources in Education and Learning, among others. Mr. McCartney has been the recipient of numerous awards in honor of his community activities and brings entrepreneurial, management, public service, and fundraising skills to the HTA.

Members of the Committee discussed with the nominee his views on the importance of the board's accountability in its expenditure of public moneys, the accessibility of its members, ways to balance the tourism priorities of the neighbor islands with those of Oahu, increased county authority over funding for tourism marketing and activities, and strategies to develop a stronger sense of place for the visitor arriving in Hawaii. Members have reviewed the vision plan submitted by Mr. McCartney, and expressed their appreciation for his thoughtful commitment to his role on the board that is reflected in his statement and his comments during the hearing.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs 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.