STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3646

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 531

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 531, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board

G.M. No. 531

JAMES K. HIRAKAWA, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds James K. Hirakawa to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

     Testimony in support of Mr. Hirakawa's nomination was submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and two private individuals.

     Mr. Hirakawa currently serves as the President of Palolo Auto Service, Inc., and has extensive experience in the motor vehicle repair industry after serving as a licensed automobile mechanic since 1950.  Testimony submitted from his customers indicate their full support to his nomination as they can always count on him and his staff at Palolo Auto Service to give honest answers and advice, and provide the highest quality of service in repairing their cars.

     Mr. Hirakawa has been an active member in his community who has volunteered every week for the past four years at The Queen's Medical Center, and received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006.  He is also the recipient of the Historic Business Award in 1994 from the City Council of Honolulu.  In 2004, he received the City Council of Honolulu's Lifetime Achievement Award.

     Mr. Hirakawa's demonstrated commitment, motivation, and professional experiences will greatly assist the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing,

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair