STAND. COM. REP. NO. 822

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 540

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 540, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

 

G.M. No. 540

CATHERINE P. AWAKUNI COLON,

for a term to expire at noon on 12-05-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Catherine Awakuni Colón for service as the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Catherine Awakuni Colón from the Governor; Department of Transportation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Public Safety; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Health; Department of Taxation; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Public Utilities Commission; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaii Pest Control Association; Hawaii Medical Service Association; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; and over twenty individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Awakuni Colón's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her for reappointment as the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Ms. Awakuni Colón has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii and her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law.  Ms. Awakuni Colón has been the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs since January 2015 and has spent the last seventeen years serving the people of Hawaii in various government roles affecting commerce and consumer affairs.  Her dedicated service has enabled her to gain an intimate understanding of the operations of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the mission it serves, and the needs and concerns of the many hardworking team members in the offices and divisions that carry out the Department's functions.

 

     Your Committee further finds that prior to Ms. Awakuni Colón's appointment as Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, she served as the Administrator of the Cable Television Division within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Her extensive understanding of the complex regulatory relationships that govern the field of telecommunications and broadband communications continue to be an asset to the Department.  Ms. Awakuni Colón also previously served as the Executive Director for the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and later, as chief counsel for the Public Utilities Commission.  This role provided her with unique insight into the needs of the Commission and an opportunity to understand the direct and significant effect the Commission has on the everyday lives of ratepayers and customers in the State.

 

     During Ms. Awakuni Colón's service as Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, she has delivered many accomplishments for the Department.  Under her leadership, the Department has formed extremely strong, collaborative relationships with other state departments and has been a valued partner in policy conversations about health insurance, the cost of care, and health care workforce shortage solutions, which are essential to a healthy Hawaii.  Furthermore, during her time as Director, she has spearheaded several internal initiatives to ensure that the Department's employees provide the best possible service to the Department's constituents.  She has sought to make services available online, upgraded internal and outward facing systems to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction, and improved employee's health by introducing Blue Zones practices to help reduce health care costs to the State.  She has continued to demonstrate good leadership and oversight of business registration, consumer protection, and consumer advocacy in regulated utility and transportation services.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Awakuni Colón's leadership abilities, professional experience, and accomplishments will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the State of Hawaii, and its consumers and businesses.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Awakuni Colón be reappointed as the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs based on her extensive knowledge, background, and dedication to serving the public.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair