STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3720

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 877

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 877, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Tax Review Commission

G.M. No. 877

RAY BLOUIN, for a term to expire 06-30-2019 (Date of expiration removed by GM890),

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal statement and resume submitted by Ray Blouin and finds that the nominee has the necessary qualifications to serve on the Tax Review Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ray Blouin from the Department of Taxation.

     Mr. Blouin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, and he is currently the General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay.  Mr. Blouin previously served as the General Manager of Aston Aloha Beach Hotel from 2008 to 2016, Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa from 2007 to 2009, Hanalei Bay Resort from 1999 to 2007, Lae Nani Resort from 1995 to 1999, and Waimea Plantation Cottages from 1986 to 1999.  With over thirty-five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Blouin has been responsible for the management of resort budgets, revenues, expenses, training, performance evaluations, staff relations, construction, and ownership transitions.

     Mr. Blouin is also active in his community, contributing extensive service to the Mayor's Crime Task Force in the County of Kauai; Kauai Visitors Bureau; Hawaii Employer's Council; Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association; Royal Coconut Coast Association; Kauai Business Council; Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School; West Kauai Rotary Club; and other organizations.  Your Committee believes that Mr. Blouin's extensive experience in the hospitality industry will be beneficial to the commission in conducting a systematic review of the State's tax structure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means 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 Ways and Means,

____________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair