STAND. COM. REP. NO. 21

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 505

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 505, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

 

G.M. No. 505

KEALIILALANIKULANI S. LOPEZ,

for a term to expire December 1, 2014,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Kealiilalanikulani S. Lopez from the Governor of the State of Hawaii; a former Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; a former Deputy Director of Commerce and Consumer  Affairs; the Acting Director of the Professional, Vocational, and Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; ‘Olelo Community Media; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; Hawaiian Telcom; GEICO; Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc.; YMCA of Honolulu; the Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS; Honolulu Board of REALTORS; Island Insurance Company, Ltd.; Na Leo O Hawaii; a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Community Media; DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited; SERVCO PACIFIC INC.; The Buske Group; Ward Research, Inc.; the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Ka Lei Maile Alii Hawaiian Civic Club; Citizens for Fair Valuation; the Board of Directors of Akaku: Maui Community Television; Maui Venture Consulting, LLC.; Hawaii's Better Business Bureau; Plywood Hawaii; the Hawaii Financial Services Association; The Wright Insurance Agency; Islanda Tech; Hawaii Medical Service Association; the principal of Waipahu High School; The Koani Foundation; six current and former members of the Board of Directors of ‘Olelo Community Media; and twenty-three private citizens.  Testimony in opposition to this nomination was received from one private citizen.

 

     Your Committee notes that testimony in support of the nominee was received from a broad range of industries and enterprises subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that the nominee's extensive experience in high-level managerial positions in a regulated industry, demonstrated leadership abilities, commitment to serving her community and her chosen profession, and personal integrity qualify her for appointment to the position of Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Your Committee finds that under the leadership of the nominee, ‘Olelo Community Television has become the second-largest public access television provider in the United States and has become widely regarded as a national leader among community broadcast providers for its use of innovative technology solutions to serve the public interest by making important information accessible to the entire community.

 

     Your Committee finds that as President and Chief Executive Officer of ‘Olelo Community Television, the nominee has gained experience in and understanding of many of the issues faced by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs including information infrastructure; the interplay of federal, state, and local regulations; complex legal and regulatory issues; long-range strategic planning; and balancing the needs of a diverse body of constituents.  Your Committee further finds that the nominee's experience successfully integrating new communications technologies into existing delivery structures is especially relevant to current matters facing the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs as the State works to foster economic growth in the fields of digital, broadband, and other emerging information technologies while also protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring broad public access to the benefits of innovation.

 

     Your Committee further notes that testifiers in support of the nominee spoke of the nominee's unshakable ethics, impeccable personal integrity, and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders who sometimes hold competing interests.  Your Committee finds that these personal qualities are essential to effective leadership and that the nominee's demonstrated temperament and professional skills will serve the State well.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair