STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3515

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 652

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Energy and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 652, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Environmental Council

G.M. No. 652

JOSEPH SHACAT, for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Joseph Shacat to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Environmental Council.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Joseph Shacat from the Department of Health; Department of Health Compliance Assistance Office; Associated General Contractors of America; Hawaii Laborers' Union; Building Industry Association of Hawaii; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; S & M Sakamoto, Inc.; King & Neel, Inc.; and nineteen individuals.

     Mr. Shacat is currently the Environmental Compliance Manager at Grace Pacific, LLC, and is responsible for all aspects of environmental compliance at industrial and commercial facilities and construction jobsites.  During his tenure at Grace Pacific, he has advocated for and accomplished systemic changes within the company to reduce emissions, minimize waste, increase recycling, improve energy efficiency, and utilize alternative resources.  In the past, he has also played an active role in volunteer organizations associated with environmental quality, such as the Board of Directors for Honolulu Clean Cities, the Steering Committee for the Environmental Forum of the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Environmental Committee for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and National Asphalt Pavement Association.  He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from Miami University and Master's degrees in Oceanography and Business Administration from the University of Hawaii.

     Mr. Shacat indicated in his personal statement that he views serving on the Environmental Council as an opportunity to give back to the community and integrate his knowledge and understanding of Hawaii's environmental health with other members of the Council.

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Shacat's past experiences, as well as his continuing commitment to issues related to environmental regulations that affect businesses in Hawaii, will be great assets to the Council.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environment 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 Energy and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair