STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2162

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 665

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 665, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

 

G.M. No. 665

RANDALL TANAKA,

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 Randall Tanaka for service as the Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Randall Tanaka from the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Public Safety; Department of Transportation; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Oahu Economic Development Board; Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority; Office of Environmental Quality Control; University of Hawai‘i System; Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority; Professional Convention Management Association; and twenty-four individuals.

 

     Randall Tanaka is currently the University of Hawaii Community Colleges Director of Commercial and Auxiliary Enterprises, Safety, and Security, a position he has held since 2017.  He previously served as the President and Executive Director of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature of the World Conservation Congress.  In addition to business, executive, and management experience, Mr. Tanaka also has an extensive career in the Hawaii tourism industry.  He has served in various capacities for the Hawaii Convention Center, including as Interim General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Director of Business Development, and Director of Sales and Marketing.  Furthermore, he has been the Chief Operating Officer for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Executive Director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau, among other positions in the tourism industry.

 

     Mr. Tanaka's extensive experience in business management and tourism have enabled him to gain a clear understanding of business and economic development issues and how those issues affect the state agencies and businesses affiliated with tourism in Hawaii.  Mr. Tanaka also has extensive community ties, having served as a board member of the Professional Conference Managers Association, International Association of Venue Management, United States-Japan Hawaii Council, Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Alumni Association.

 

     Your Committee believes that the nominee possesses the qualifications to serve as the Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and help lead the Department.  Due to Mr. Tanaka's invaluable background in the business and tourism sectors, he has a wealth of experience to craft innovative solutions for the Department.  His experience in business and tourism gives him a thorough understanding of the business and tourism industries and a wealth of industry contacts, which will aid him as he helps lead the department charged with overseeing numerous state business, economic development, and tourism issues.

 

     Your Committee notes from the nominee's personal statement that his vision for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is to constantly evolve the Department's action plan and to ensure that the Department focuses on key areas that will diversify the economic base and increase revenue.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair