Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 358, 359, 408, 409, and 411, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

To ensure that nominees to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority are sincere and dedicated to the purpose and goals of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, your Committee has consistently asked all nominees to submit to the Committee a written vision statement. The purpose of the vision statement is for nominees to take the time to reflect upon and determine if they are willing to provide the time and effort that is required for the position. Furthermore, the vision statement is a tool for the Committee to assess the nominee's dedication and determination, which are indicative of whether the nominee would be an asset to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Those nominees who furnished a vision statement to your Committee are reported herein.

Your Committee received testimony in support of MICHAEL K. KOBAYASHI from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Charley's Taxi; Hankyu Express USA Inc.; Kauai Island Tours; Kintetsu International Hawaii Company; Nippon Travel Agency Hawaii Inc.; Tropical Ocean Sports Hawaii Inc.; Maui Divers of Hawaii; MC&A Inc.; Aloha VIP Tours Inc.; Japan Hawaii Travel Association; Germaine's Luau; JALPAK International; Starwood Hotels and Resorts; TTA Inc.; Outrigger Hotels & Resorts; Hawaii Transportation Association; Hilton Hawaiian Village; Kobayashi Travel; and Griffing Swan & Lai Inc.

The nominee received a BBA degree in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawaii. The nominee has been employed since 1999 as the President of Kobayashi Travel Service. The nominee is a member of many trade and professional organizations, including the Japan Hawaii Travel Association, Skal Club of Hawaii and the Japan-America Society.

Your Committee notes from the vision statement of the nominee that he will focus on issues that affect tourism such as long term availability of our natural resources, community support for the industry, and the safety and security of our visitors and residents.

Your Committee received testimony in support of JOHN J. TONER from the Hawaii Tourism Authority; the Department of Business and Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association; Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts; Preferred Hotel Group; Kapalua Resort; Pleasant Holidays; Princeville Resort; Doctors on Call; and two individuals.

The nominee is a reappointment, representing the public (at large/Oahu) from a list submitted by the President of the Senate. The nominee has been employed since 2004 as the Executive Vice-President of the Resort Group, responsible for resort operations for Ko Olina and part of the due diligence team in the purchase of the Princeville Resort. Previously, the nominee was the General Manager for the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, Rancho Mirage, and St. Louis. The nominee is a member of many trade and professional organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Sea of Dreams Foundation, Chaine des Rotisseurs, Bailli of the Maui Chapter, Ka Lima O Maui Board of Directors, Mercedes Championship/ Kapalua Maui Charities Board of Directors, Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays Board of Directors and the Pacific Cancer Center Board of Directors.

Your Committee notes from the new vision statement of the nominee that he is honored to serve as a member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board and hopes to focus his next term on expanding the Boards efforts in contributing to the local community.

Your Committee received testimony in support of KELVIN M. BLOOM from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hilo Hattie; Marathon Group; TransPacific Mortgage Group; Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association; Waikiki Improvement Association; Pacific Rim Bank; Hospitality Advisors LLC.; Tiki's Bar & Grill; O'Neill Group; and four individuals.

The nominee is currently the Regional Vice-President of ResortQuest International Inc. and the founding President of Castle Resorts & Hotels. The nominee is a member of many trade and professional organizations, including Pacific Rim Bank, Hotel Operators Roundtable, Manoa Valley Theater, Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, Waikiki Improvement Association, and Aloha United Way.

Your Committee notes from the vision statement of the nominee that the nominee wants to bring together the visitor industry and business communities to form partnerships that will create a sustainable business model that will deliver benefits and introduce practices that are respectful and meaningful to the community and culture that will preserve, cultivate and celebrate the special nature and distinction of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of PATRICIA A. EWING from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; State Representative from the 14th District; Kilauea Agronomics; Kauai Aloha Foundation; Heli USA Airways; Island Soap & Candle Works; Ching Young Village; Banana Patch Studio; Kilauea Real Estate Company; Lighthouse Bistro; and three individuals.

The nominee received a BA degree from the University of California at San Jose and the University of California at Long Beach. The nominee has been employed since 1992 as the owner and buyer for Kung Lung Company. The nominee is a member of many trade and professional organizations, including Kauai North Shore Business Council President, Member of Mayor Joanne Yukimura's Tourism Committee, Panelist Solutions 2000 Business Forum Pacific Business News, Panelist Association of Independent Shopping Center Owners, Hawaii International Film Festival/Kauai Chairperson and Board Member of the Kalihiwai Ridge Community Association.

Your Committee notes from the vision statement of the nominee that an economic enterprise like tourism does not in and of itself bring virtues and values such as stewardship, charity, thrift, harmony and concern for others. The nominee sees that these are the qualities responsible stakeholders must add and cultivate if the economic activity is to deliver benefits afforded to each stakeholder.

Your Committee received testimony in support of CHALENE "CHA" MAE KU'UPUAALA THOMPSON from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association; Cove Entertainment Inc. and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

The nominee has been employed since 1971 as the owner and Executive Vice-President of Tihati Productions a Polynesian Entertainment Company. The nominee is a member of many trade and professional organizations, including Chair of the Honolulu Police Commission, Past Vice-President of the Institute of Human Services, and Past President of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association.

Your Committee notes from the vision statement of the nominee that the nominee wants to add a local perspective to the board and states that the motive for the nominee to serve on the board was to find ways to make residents, Hawaiians in particular, feel a part of Waikiki again. Perhaps reminding them of places like Kawehewehe (the healing waters, just off the Halekulani) where Hawaiians of old would come to find peace within, to name a few pleasant things that would be enjoyable and reminiscent of actual practices.

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.