Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 495 and 496, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of RON J. FLEET from the Department of Transportation.

The nominee received an associate degree in electronic engineering from Miami-Dade Community College. He has been a real estate broker with Vision Realty since 1999. Your Committee notes his personal statement that although he uses the highways, he is an avid long distance cyclist, riding approximately 250 miles a week on the shoulders of the only highway on Kauai. He would like to be involved in the process of looking for ways to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in addition to keeping the roads safe.

Your Committee received testimony in support of RICHARD E. VELAZQUEZ from the Department of Transportation, AAA Hawaii, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, KITV Hawaii, Better Business Bureau, and one individual.

The nominee is the Regional Manager of AAA Hawaii. He has held various managerial positions for AAA since 1979. He received his education from Ventura College and the University of San Diego. He is a member of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Charity Partner with Cancer Research of Hawaii, and various charitable local community groups.

Your Committee notes that the nominee has received various transportation safety awards, including one from the California Highway Patrol for his dedication to traffic safety. He has participated in traffic safety boards and community events including the City and County of Honolulu's Drive Akamai program. As Regional Manager of AAA Hawaii, he has ensured that schools receive assistance with traffic safety education using "Otto the Auto" and distributing educational brochures for various grade levels. He is responsible for AAA Hawaii's support for "Walk Wise Honolulu."

Your Committee notes from the nominee's personal statement that death and injuries caused by traffic crashes are a preventable public health issue that can be reduced through collaborative efforts of state and local governments, private industry, and community groups. Improved traffic engineering, law enforcement, and public education campaigns can combine to reduce crashes and save lives.

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