STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2862

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 647

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 647, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Public Utilities Commission

G.M. No. 647

LORRAINE AKIBA, for a term to expire 6-30-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Lorraine Akiba to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Public Utilities Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Lorraine Akiba from the Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Director of Budget and Finance; the Chair and a member of the Public Utilities Commission; Hawaiian Telecom; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.; Young Brothers, Limited; GE Energy Financial Services, Inc.; Yamamoto & Settle, LLLC; Apollo Energy Corporation; Solar Energy Industries Association; Schlack Ito, LLC; HSI Mechanical, Inc.; Tradewinds Hawaiian Woods LLC; Hawaii Medical Service Association; Bio-Logical Capital; Keahole Solar Power; Hawaii Carpenters Trust Funds; Hawaii PV Coalition; Rockland Capital, LLC; Champlin/GEI Wind Holdings, LLC; Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance; ‘Ohana Health Plan; International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142; Blue Planet Foundation; and twenty-seven individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that the nominee's extensive professional experience, background in environmental law, commitment to consumer protection and public service, and proven leadership throughout her career qualify her for appointment to the Public Utilities Commission.  Your Committee notes that the nominee is currently the head of her law firm's environmental practice group and has acquired substantial experience with independent power producers, developers in mind, solar, and biomass energy generation, and financial and investment entities who specialize in alternative energy company acquisition and investments.  Your Committee further finds that the nominee has experience in the public service arena by virtue of her previous position as Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.  The nominee has a thorough understanding of complex regulatory issues and is highly qualified to serve as a member of the Public Utilities Commission.

     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