STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3259

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 484

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Tourism and Government Operations, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 484, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority

G.M. No. 484

KYOKO Y. KIMURA, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Kyoko Y. Kimura from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Tourism Liaison, Maui Visitors Bureau, Pacific Cancer Foundation, Hawaii Employers Council, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., Hawai‘i Hotel & Lodging Association, Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, and two individuals.

     The nominee received a B.A. degree from Kobe Jogakuin University, Master in Translation from the Babel Institute of Communication, Certified Hotel Administrator from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and GMP from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.  She is currently the President and General Manager of Diamond Hotel Resort & Spa.  Ms. Kimura is presently a board member of the Hawaii Hotel Association and was formerly the Board Chairperson of the Maui Hotel Association.  In addition, she belongs to numerous community and cultural associations.

     Ms. Kimura was initially appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority in 2003.  She notes that her outstanding accomplishment has been to serve on the Marketing Committee as a member and Chair.  During this time, the Marketing Committee made great strides in marketing by selecting four international major marketing contractors during a very difficult period following 9/11.

     Your Committee notes Ms. Kimura's written statement that she sees the role of the Board as aiding in the development of a vision and strategy for the State's tourism.  The Hawaii Tourism Authority needs to give "visionary directions" to staff members and marketing contractors and monitor that execution of programs to be consistent with the strategic plan.

     Your Committee is pleased with Ms. Kimura's emphasis on effective, accountable marketing strategies.  Your Committee believes that Ms. Kimura's past service on the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has been excellent.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism and Government Operations 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 Tourism and Government Operations,

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair