STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1412

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 720

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 720, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawai‘i Sister State Committee

G.M. No. 720

JUSTIN MICHAEL IKAIKA ANDERSON, for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Justin Michael Ikaika Anderson to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Hawai‘i Sister State Committee.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Justin Michael Ikaika Anderson from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; and three individuals.

     Justin Michael Ikaika Anderson is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, and received Bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.  He currently serves as a Councilmember for the City and County of Honolulu, where he is the Floor Leader and Chair of the Planning Committee, Vice Chair of the Zoning Committee, as well as a Member of the Budget Committee, Public Infrastructure Committee, and Executive Matters Committee.  Mr. Anderson served previously as a Budget Analyst for the State House Finance Committee, where he was assigned to the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Hawaiian Home Lands.  He also has experience as Assistant Committee Clerk of the House Judiciary Committee.

     Your Committee notes the personal statement of the nominee, which states, "I'd like to serve on the committee so that I can assist in forging cultural and economic relationships with other cities and municipalities that would be beneficial to our state and our people."  He goes on to say, "it is my hope that the committee will aid in fostering new international working relationships while building on our existing relationships."  Mr. Anderson worked to form a sister city relationship with the municipality of Majuro, drafting legislation officially recognizing the relationship and coordinating the signing ceremonies in Honolulu.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs 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 Transportation and International Affairs,

____________________________

J. KALANI ENGLISH, Chair