Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 102, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony from thirty-seven individuals in support of Mr. Haraga's nomination; there was no testimony submitted in opposition. Among those who testified in support of the nomination were many representatives of agencies at both the State and county levels, and many individuals from the private sector.

Your Committee finds that the nominee is a civil and structural engineer licensed in California and Hawaii who has decades of experience working in the public sector on transportation issues, primarily with the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering for the City of Los Angeles. Although the nominee spent most of his professional life away from the islands, your Committee finds that he can quickly familiarize himself with local transportation issues.

Many testifiers highlighted the nominee's skill in interacting with people, and his tireless approach to problem solving. Your Committee finds that this can-do attitude will be very important as Director of Transportation, as so many critical state issues are under the purview of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee will work with compassion and commitment in heading the DOT. In his previous professional experience, the nominee demonstrated the ability to lead and to carry out the responsibilities of his position. 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 Director of Transportation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations 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.