STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4045

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 655, 706, 791

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 655, 706, and 791, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects

G.M. No. 655	BRIAN FUJIWARA, for a term to expire 06-30-2026;
G.M. No. 706	JAY ISHIBASHI, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 791	BENEDICT LEE, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Brian Fujiwara, Jay Ishibashi, and Benedict Lee for service on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects.

BRIAN FUJIWARA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Brian Fujiwara from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; JL Capital; and RB Yumol Architects.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fujiwara's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a licensed professional architect member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Fujiwara has worked in the field of architecture for over thirty-four years and has been a licensed architect in Hawaii since 2000. Mr. Fujiwara has been the owner and principal of BKF & Associates, LLC since 2003. In addition to owning an architectural firm, Mr. Fujiwara volunteers as a committee member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and attends regional and national meetings to remain up to date on matters impacting the profession. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Fujiwara is also a member of the American Institute of Architects and has served on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects since July 2018, currently serving as the Board's Chairperson. Mr. Fujiwara's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects. Your Committee therefore recommends that Brian Fujiwara be reappointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JAY ISHIBASHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jay Ishibashi from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects; KAI Hawaii, Inc.; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ishibashi's background, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Ishibashi currently works as a Program Specialist V for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Prior to that, Mr. Ishibashi served as an Employee Representative for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Budget Analyst for the Hawaii State Senate, and in other roles with the Department of Human Services. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Ishibashi has previously served as a member on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects and was most recently appointed in 2020. Mr. Ishibashi's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jay Ishibashi be reappointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects based on his knowledge and dedication to serving the public.

BENEDICT LEE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Benedict Lee from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lee's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects qualify him for reappointment to Board as a licensed landscape architect member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Lee has been licensed as a landscape architect in Hawaii since 1985. Mr. Lee is the principal of Brownlie & Lee, which was formed in 1988. Mr. Lee has been involved in a wide range of residential, commercial, and recreational projects in public and private sectors and is also licensed as a landscape architect in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lee is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Society of Landscape Architects and International Federation of Landscape Architects. Mr. Lee has served on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects since 2016. Mr. Lee's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects. Your Committee therefore recommends that Benedict Lee be reappointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair