STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2122

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 692, 693, 694

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 692, 693, and 694, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Highway Safety Council

G.M. No. 692	CHARLES HIRATA, for a term to expire 06-30-2021;
G.M. No. 693	BYRON FUJIEDA, for a term to expire 06-30-2021; and
G.M. No. 694	THOMAS NOYES, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Charles Hirata, Byron Fujieda, and Thomas Noyes for service on the State Highway Safety Council.

CHARLES HIRATA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Charles Hirata from the Department of Transportation and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hirata's extensive experience in law enforcement qualify him for reappointment to the State Highway Safety Council. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Hirata has over 32 years of experience at the Maui Police Department and is currently the Child Passenger Safety Coordinator for Maui County. Mr. Hirata is currently a member of the State Highway Safety Council and has provided his expertise in law enforcement, particularly in traffic enforcement, to the Council and is well versed in traffic safety issues. Your Committee believes that Mr. Hirata will continue to be a great asset for the State Highway Safety Council and provide needed expertise in law enforcement related issues.

BYRON FUJIEDA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Byron Fujieda from the Department of Transportation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fujieda's extensive legal background, experience in the public sector, and dedication to traffic safety issues qualify him for reappointment to the State Highway Safety Council. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Fujieda has been with the Maui County Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for over 16 years, equipping him with necessary legal knowledge regarding various matters affecting the State. Mr. Fujieda is involved in anti‑underage drinking campaigns and neighborhood watch meetings. As a current member of the State Highway Safety Council, your Committee believes that Mr. Fujieda has gained relevant knowledge of legal issues relating to traffic safety and will continue to provide valuable insight and guidance to the Council regarding such matters.

THOMAS NOYES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Thomas Noyes from the Department of Transportation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Noyes's diverse background serving non-profit organizations and in the private and public sectors qualify him for appointment to the State Highway Safety Council. Mr. Noyes is currently the Executive Director of Kauai Path, Inc., and has experience serving the public as a former Bioterrorism Preparedness Planner IV for the Disease Outbreak Control Division of the Department of Health. Mr. Noyes is very active in the community, having served in several organizations such as the Kauai Trauma Advisory Council, Kauai Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross, and many more. Your Committee believes that Mr. Noyes's extensive background in various fields provide him with the foundation to address traffic safety issues and will be a great asset for the State Highway Safety Council.

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

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair