Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 487 and 488, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, résumés, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the position of nomination.

Testimony in support of GAIL Y. HARAGUCHI was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Coalition of Hawaii Engineering and Architectural Professionals and nine individuals. Testimony in opposition was received from the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association. Outrigger Hotels and Resorts submitted comments.

Ms. Haraguchi is vice president of corporate development for GKO and Associates, a multidisciplinary engineering firm, where she is responsible for marketing and market research. She is on the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair for BUILD-PAC and has served on numerous community and professional organizations. Ms. Haraguchi holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degree in Speech from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Testimony in support of KAWAIKAPUOKALANI K. HEWETT was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Molokaievents.com, Inc., a State Representative, and twelve individuals.

Mr. Hewett has fourteen years of experience producing luau shows for the tourism industry. He is the Director of Hawaiian Culture and Events for the Royal Lahaina Resort in Lahaina, Maui where he is responsible for the choreography, staging, script writing and costume design for production of the hotel's luau show. He also serves as consultant on hotel events or matters that reflect upon the culture of Hawaii. As founder and president of the halau Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa `Olapa Kahiko, Inc., Mr. Hewett manages and directs the organization's operations. He is a graduate of James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Your Committee is concerned with the evolving make-up of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Your Committee discussed the statutory requirement to maintain a balance of visitor industry and non-visitor industry representation on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For example, while Ms. Haraguchi's extensive marketing background will serve as a valuable asset to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, she is replacing a member of the visitor industry. While your Committee has no control over the interim appointments of the Governor, your Committee will be vigilent to ensure that future nominees maintain the proper balance of knowledge and experience necessary for the success of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, 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.