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. 3, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony from forty-six individuals in support of Mr. Saito's nomination; there was no testimony submitted in opposition. Among those who testified in support of the nomination were a representative of the Office of the Governor, eighteen current employees of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), and many individuals from the private sector.

Your Committee finds that the nominee has years of experience as an engineer, manager, and director responsible for engineering, construction, planning, service staff, operations, and product development. Every testifier highlighted the nominee's skills and dedication in each of these areas.

Your Committee finds that the nominee will work diligently to improve DAGS in two important areas: restoring trust in government, and making our government work more efficiently. Importantly, your Committee notes that the State Procurement Office operates under DAGS, and hopes that the nominee can improve state procurement procedures.

Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee will work with compassion and commitment in heading DAGS. 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 Comptroller.

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.