STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1513

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 363, 365, 588

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 363, 365, and 588, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Wireless Enhanced 911 Board

G.M. No. 363	GOLDIE K. CROSS, for a term to expire 6-30-2010;
G.M. No. 365	JAMES D. LACLAIR, for a term to expire 6-30-2010; and
G.M. No. 588	ERIC KNUTZEN, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Goldie K. Cross, James D. LaClair, and Eric Knutzen to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Goldie K. Cross was submitted by one state agency, two private organizations, and five individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Goldie K. Cross has obtained over twenty-two years of experience working at various levels in the telecommunications industry.  During that period she has obtained an extensive background on the emerging technologies that have shaped the telecommunications industry.  During the past three years Goldie K. Cross has obtained detailed knowledge surrounding the needs of emergency 911 wireless calls in her position as E911 Sustainment and Network Sales Support Manager for AT&T Mobility.

     Your Committee finds that Goldie K. Cross would be a valuable addition to the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board in assisting the Board with evaluating and recommending new equipment that would be needed to deliver emergency 911 calls to the Public Safety Answering Points in this State.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of James D. LaClair was submitted by one state agency, one county agency, and one private organization.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     James D. LaClair has obtained over thirty years of experience in the telecommunications industry, including twenty years operating 911 networks in Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.  Most recently James D. LaClair has served as Vice President of Network Operations for Hawaiian Telcom.  One of his primary duties in that position has been to provide direct responsibility over the operation and maintenance of Hawaii's emergency 911 infrastructure.

     Your Committee finds that the prior knowledge and experiences gained by James D. LaClair while operating and managing 911 networks will serve as an invaluable source of information for the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Eric Knutzen was submitted by one state agency, two county agencies, and one individual.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     For the past six years Eric Knutzen has led IT/Communication projects for the County of Kauai.  During that period Mr. Knutzen has also held the position of Deputy Director of Finance for the County of Kauai.  Mr. Knutzen's efforts in reorganizing the IT Division and insourcing the work of the Division have resulted in a savings of over $2,200,000 for the IT Division.

     Your Committee finds that the broad-based IT/Communication experiences that Mr. Knutzen has gained whiled working in the telecommunications industry throughout the world will help to lead the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board as it proceeds toward implementing and operating emergency 911 services throughout the State.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that are 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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,

____________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair