STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3470

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 768, 769

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 Nos. 768 and 769, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

State Board of Public Accountancy

G.M. No. 768	GABRIEL LEE, for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and
G.M. No. 769	GREGG TAKETA, for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Gabriel Lee and Gregg Taketa to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Board of Public Accountancy.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Gabriel Lee from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants Board of Directors, and four individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lee's professional experience and desire to contribute to the community qualify him to serve as a public member of the State Board of Public Accountancy.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Lee is a commercial banker, has many years of experience working with certified public accountants, and is uniquely qualified as a public member to bring a corporate customer perspective to the State Board of Public Accountancy.  Mr. Lee has demonstrated his commitment to public service and his leadership abilities by virtue of his experience on the board of directors of several nonprofit organizations and his prior service as Chair of the Board of Directors of Hawaii Dental Service.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lee's knowledge, background, and commitment to promoting high professional standards and protecting the interests of the public will be valuable assets to the State Board of Public Accountancy.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Gregg Taketa from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaii Association of Public Accountants; Niwao & Roberts, CPAs; and sixteen individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Taketa's professional background and history of community service qualify him to serve as a Certified Public Accountant member of the State Board of Public Accountancy.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Taketa has practiced public accounting for over three decades, is a partner in one of the largest neighbor island Certified Public Accountant firms, and has extensive experience providing audit, accounting, and tax services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.  Mr. Taketa also has a strong history of community service and is active in a number of professional organizations, including prior service as President of the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Taketa's knowledge, experience, commitment to protecting the State's consumers, and valuable neighbor island perspective will enhance the effectiveness of the State Board of Public Accountancy.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair