STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1350

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 627

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 627, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i

G.M. No. 627

JAMES P. KARINS, for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds James P. Karins to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH).

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of James P. Karins from United States Senator Daniel Akaka; the Governor; Executive Director of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii; Schlissel & Associates, LLC; Hawaii Science & Technology Council; High Technology Development Corporation; The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Ikayzo, Inc.; and one individual.

     Dr. Karins received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University at Albany, State University of New York.  He went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Physics and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physics from the University at Albany, State University of New York.  Dr. Karins is currently the President and Chairman of the Board of Actilytics, Inc., which he founded in 2009.  As President of Actilytics, Inc., Dr. Karins is responsible for providing technical evaluations, designs, and prototypes to government agencies and defense contractors.  Dr. Karins also provides programmatic support and management, as well as business advice and marketing strategies, to his clients.  Prior to his work with Actilytics, Inc., Dr. Karins founded and served as President of Pukoa Scientific, LLC and Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc. 

     Dr. Karins has received numerous awards and accolades for his work.  In 2003, he was commended by the Hawaii State Legislature for his contributions to the State as the founding President of Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc.  He was named Pacific Business News' "Fastest 50 Winner" in 2008, 2009, and 2010. 

     Dr. Karins has published over fifty articles on a number of scientific issues, including semiconductor and optical fabrication techniques and infrared and hyperspectral optical systems.  Dr. Karins has received five patents for his inventions. 

     Dr. Karins has been involved with research and development companies for his entire career.  He has gained valuable leadership skills and has been responsible for identifying, pursuing, and winning over $100,000,000 in federal research grants. 

     Dr. Karins believes RCUH can play a significant role in the State's efforts to recover from the current fiscal crisis and to mitigate future economic downturns.  Dr. Karins expressed that research and innovation are the foundations for creating new businesses and jobs.  As part of this goal, Dr. Karins would like to see the University of Hawaii increase its support for the development of new industries that are technology- and knowledge‑based. 

     One of Dr. Karin's goals as a member of the Board of Directors of RCUH is to focus on successfully taking the research generated at the University of Hawaii and utilizing it at small businesses or creating new business to help the local economy.  Dr. Karins believes RCUH's role is to develop the policies needed to develop a versatile business model not only to conduct research but to provide training to the local work force on the use of that research.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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 Education,

____________________________

JILL TOKUDA, Chair