STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1622

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 783

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 783, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council

G.M. No. 783

RACHEL JAMES, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Ms. Rachel James to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ms. James from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and three individuals.

     Ms. James is the Project Manager for the Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies, where she coordinates with community stakeholders to encourage collaborative project development and communicates with contractors to ensure timeliness of project completion, reimbursement, and compliance.  Previously, Ms. James served as a member of the District Office team for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.  She also worked as a Housing Specialist and Intake Specialist for Catholic Charities Hawaii Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.  Ms. James earned her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Ms. James is active in community and civic organizations including as a Board member, Team Lead, and Outreach Coordinator of Kuleana Microlending, and as a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association and the Patsy Mink Center for Business and Leadership Advisory Board.  Your Committee finds that Ms. James' professional experience and extensive service to the community will be assets to the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology 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 Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology,

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair