SSCR1727

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1727

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 604

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. 604, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Public Utilities Commission

G.M. No. 604

LEODOLOFF ASUNCION,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Leodoloff Asuncion for service on the Public Utilities Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Leodoloff Asuncion from the Governor; Department of Transportation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Budget and Finance; Office of Community Services; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Office of Environmental Quality Control; Public Utilities Commission; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Young Brothers, LLC; Hawai‘i Gas; SanHi Government Strategies, LLLP; Rosehill and Associates, LLLP; Ashford and Wriston, LLLP; Imanaka Asato, LLLC; Capitol Consultants of Hawaii; Building Industry Association of Hawaii; and twelve individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Asuncion's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Public Utilities Commission. Your Committee notes that Mr. Asuncion holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii and a Master of Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Asuncion has been with the Office of Planning since June 2011 and is currently the Planning Program Administrator II where he is responsible for the overall management administrations and operations of the Office's Planning Division, which includes the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program, Hawaii Geographic Information Systems Program, and Special Plans Branch. Mr. Asuncion was previously the Director and Interim Director of the Office of Planning. As the Director of the Office of Planning, Mr. Asuncion oversaw management, administration, and operations, and represented the Office of Planning before the Hawaii Congressional Delegation, State Legislature, and various decision-making bodies.

Prior to joining the Office of Planning, Mr. Asuncion spent several years handling resource planning in the private sector, including serving as a Senior Regulatory Analyst and Senior Integrated Resource Planning Analyst for Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., and as a Project Planner/Manager for SSFM International, Inc. Mr. Asuncion has also previously worked as a planner for the Hawaii State Judiciary and for the State Land Use Commission. Mr. Asuncion is active in a number of state and national boards and associations, including the American Planning Association. As a member of the National Board of Directors for the American Planning Association, Mr. Asuncion is able to share, on a national platform, how Hawaii is leading its energy transformation and bring back emerging best practices to better inform the State's energy transition.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Asuncion's extensive planning experience in the public and private sectors have given him a comprehensive understanding of many complex, interdependent policy issues, including in the energy field, which will be of great benefit to the Public Utilities Commission.

Testifiers commented that Mr. Asuncion's understanding of planning, economics, and regulatory and fiscal principles, along with his ability to forecast trends and act proactively, will be an asset to the Public Utilities Commission and public interests. Mr. Asuncion's work with Hawaiian Electric Company and his background in administration demonstrate his extensive experience with regulated industries and his ability to address governmental issues and develop strong management plans for organizations. With this broad involvement in public policy issues that are important to the State's future, Mr. Asuncion is prepared to address the wide array of regulated utilities and regulatory issues within the Public Utilities Commission's jurisdiction.

Your Committee notes from Mr. Asuncion's personal statement that he has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of a member of the Public Utilities Commission. During his term, Mr. Asuncion intends to assist the Public Utilities Commission in advancing its goals and objectives, better the Public Utilities Commission's productivity and efficiency, and issue balanced decisions that are fair and timely.

Your Committee notes that Mr. Asuncion's extensive urban planning background, leadership skills, and thorough understanding of regulatory requirements will be an invaluable complement to the expertise of the other Commissioners and therefore recommends that Mr. Asuncion be appointed to the Public Utilities Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to serving in the public's best interest.

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