STAND. COM. REP. NO. 607

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 507

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 507, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Director of the Department of Public Safety

 

G.M. No. 507

MAX OTANI,

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 Max Otani for service on the Department of Public Safety.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Max Otani from the Governor; Department of Transportation; Department of Health; Department of Taxation; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Department of Hawaiian Homelands; Department of Defense; Crime Victim Compensation Commission; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Hawaii Paroling Authority; Hawaii State Energy Office; Hina Mauka; and thirty-two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Otani from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Otani's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Department of Public Safety.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Otani has over thirty years of experience working in the criminal justice field and has held various positions throughout his career, ranging from probation officer to Division Administrator for the Intake Service Center for the Department of Public Safety.  Mr. Otani was selected to be a member of the Hawaii Paroling Authority in 2019 where he has taken on many positions and responsibilities.  Mr. Otani was appointed to be the Acting Director of the Department of Public Safety on December 1, 2020, where he was challenged with addressing urgent problems associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in Hawaii's correctional facilities.  Together with three strong Deputy Directors and able staff, Mr. Otani was able to systematically implement appropriate responses to the outbreaks in the State's correctional facilities.

 

     Mr. Otani is admired and respected by his colleagues, as evidenced by the number of positive testimony submitted on his behalf.  Testimony in support of his nomination indicates that he has a proven track record of strong leadership and dedication, possesses a sound knowledge of law enforcement and the judicial system, and has a real understanding of the challenges that the Department of Public Safety faces, particularly as the State continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Mr. Otani has been described as a humble, compassionate, and competent leader and well-suited to lead the Department of Public Safety.  Mr. Otani has also been described to be the right person to transform the State's public safety system and shepherd it forward during these challenging times.

 

     Your Committee further finds that during the course of Mr. Otani's public service career at the Department of Public Safety, he has gained broad experiences and extensive knowledge regarding the various issues relating to corrections and law enforcement in the State.  Mr. Otani has excellent credentials and has demonstrated a high level of understanding of the State's public safety needs and how those needs can be met.  His years of service to the State are an indication of his dedication to public service and he has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills while still maintaining the respect of his peers.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Otani be appointed as Director of the Department of Public Safety based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs 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 Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair