STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3692

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 402

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Judiciary and Labor, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 402, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Civil Rights Commission

G.M. No. 402

LESLIE ALAN UEOKA, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Leslie Alan Ueoka from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, Hawaiian Telcom, American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, Gregory House Programs, 442nd RCT Foundation, and three individuals.  Testimony in opposition was received from four individuals. 

     Mr. Ueoka is being reappointed to a second term.  He is a graduate of Iolani School, who received a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University.  He is currently employed by Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. as Assistant General Counsel, a position which he has held since 2005.  He started as Corporate Counsel in 1992.

     Your Committee notes the written statement of Mr. Ueoka that:

The issues that we face can be contentious and are often very difficult, with no clear-cut "right" or "wrong" answers.  Accordingly, I approach each issue that we address on the HCRC impartially and listen carefully to all sides.  In all matters, including deliberations, I try to work in a collaborative style with my fellow commissioners and with staff and believe that I have a good working relationship with each.  Only when we have thoroughly examined and fully discussed an issue do I reach a conclusion.  Recognizing that the issues that we face can have multiple resolutions, I respect the opinions of those who may disagree with me on any particular issue.

     Your Committee notes the concerns of those opposed to this nomination, mainly that the nominee works for a large employer and as such, his orientation may lean towards employers in deciding employment cases and making rules.  Your Committee emphasizes its expectation that the nominee be fair and objective, and give equitable treatment and fair consideration to the rights of employees, as a member of the Civil Rights Commission.  Your Committee feels that the nominee needs to separate his work for a large employer as an advocate in employment law issues, from his work on the Civil Rights Commission which protects employees as well.

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

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair