STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3834

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 598, 599, 600

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 598, 599, and 600, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation

G.M. No. 598	MILO SPINDT, for a term to expire 06-30-2022;
G.M. No. 599	MELVIN KAHELE, for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and
G.M. No. 600	GEORGE ATTA, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Milo Spindt, Melvin Kahele, and George Atta for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

MILO SPINDT

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Milo Spindt from the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Milo Spindt from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Spindt's experience as a real estate salesperson, real estate broker, and property manager, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as a public member representing the County of Kauai. Your Committee notes that Mr. Spindt has seventeen years of experience as a real estate salesperson, property manager, and real estate broker in Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington. He currently serves full-time as a Real Estate Broker and Property Manager and part-time as an Emergency Medical Technician for American Medical Response Hawaii. He also has previous work experience as a Kauai District Land Agent for the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Founder and President of Housing For All, Inc. Mr. Spindt has demonstrated his willingness to serve the public through his past involvement in the Spokane Association of REALTORS, Nevada Association of REALTORS, Reno-Sparks Association of REALTORS, and Kauai Board of REALTORS.

Your Committee further notes that if appointed for another term on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Mr. Spindt's goal is to help increase the total output of affordable housing units on Kauai and throughout the State by effective fiscal and policy management. Specifically, the nominee indicated in his personal statement that he would like to see the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation expand its role in off-site infrastructure projects that support affordable housing developments. Testimony received in support of the nominee indicate that Mr. Spindt's is well versed in the County of Kauai's land use issues and housing needs.

MELVIN KAHELE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Melvin Kahele from the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Melvin Kahele from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kahele's extensive experience in the construction industry, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kahele previously served as a legislative lobbyist for the Ironworkers Union, Local 625, Stabilization Fund and served as President for the Teamsters Union, Local 996, handling many complex contract negotiations.

Your Committee further notes the testimony received in support of the nominee that his extensive experience with the construction industry and his affiliation with the Ironworkers Union, Local 625 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 996, will continue to provide the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation with a valuable housing development resource if appointed to a second term.

GEORGE ATTA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of George Atta from the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Pūlama Lāna‘i, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Atta's extensive professional experience in urban and regional planning with public agencies and as a planning consultant, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation as a public member representing the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Mr. Atta previously served as the Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu where he provided leadership, administration, and management of a county department consisting of three hundred employees in areas relating to long-range planning; building and construction; traffic and engineering; land use and development; and commercial and residential enforcement. Prior to his service with the City and County of Honolulu, he served as the Principal, Partner, and Project Manager for Group 70, now known as G70. Mr. Atta has extensive involvement and leadership experience with various professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Planners, the Hawaii Chapter of the United States Green Building Council, and Hawaii Association of Environmental Professionals; and community activities, including the University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Advisory Panel, the Pa‘i Foundation, and the TARO Center.

Your Committee further notes that if appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Mr. Atta has goals to simplify the rules and work on financing so that more developers can provide affordable housing, and encourage the county planning departments and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to work together to reduce the number of regulations required for permits to facilitate the development of affordable housing. Testimony received in support of the nominee indicate that Mr. Atta's depth of experience and expertise will be valuable assets for the Board of Directors as the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation continues its mission to facilitate and expedite the development of affordable housing statewide.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing 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 Housing,

____________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair