STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3997

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 796, 797

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 796 and 797, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems

G.M. No. 796	RODRIGO ROMO, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 797	AMBER IMAI-HONG, 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 Rodrigo Romo and Amber Imai-Hong for service on the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.

RODRIGO ROMO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Rodrigo Romo from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, and eleven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Romo's knowledge, experience, and desire to serve the people of Hawaii qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems as a member from government, industry, and academia, both national and international, with appropriate professional interests and backgrounds, pursuant to section 304A-3353, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Mr. Romo has been the Visitor Information Station manager for the Maunakea Observatories Support Services since July 2021. Prior to that, he was the Program Director for the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems from 2016 to 2021, where he guided projects for applied research and workforce development and programs to promote and encourage women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Your Committee notes that Mr. Romo has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Iteso University in Guadalajara, Mexico, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arizona, and almost thirty years of diverse work experience. During the hearing, he not only expressed his passion for aerospace and diversifying the economy of the State, but believes that Hawaii has great opportunities to develop a strong aerospace industry and that the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems can play a key role in supporting and helping future generations launch careers in aerospace and other technology-related careers. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Romo has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his experience and knowledge will be assets to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Your Committee therefore recommends that Rodrigo Romo be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems based on his experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

AMBER IMAI-HONG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Amber Imai-Hong from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Imai-Hong's knowledge, experience, and desire to serve the people of Hawaii qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems as a member from government, industry, and academia, both national and international, with appropriate professional interests and backgrounds that is nominated from a list of nominees submitted by the President of the Senate, pursuant to section 304A-3353, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Ms. Imai-Hong has been an avionics engineer and Program Director at the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory since June 2012. As a part of her duties, she directs the 101 CubeSat Program, which includes mentoring approximately twenty students who will launch an educational satellite kit into low earth orbit later this year. Prior to that, she was an outreach specialist at the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium. Your Committee notes that Ms. Imai-Hong has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus in Electrophysics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and over fourteen years of experience in the small satellite community. According to the testimony from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Ms. Imai-Hong is an exemplary role model to other Hawai‘i Island students, in particular women, who want to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and her appointment will strengthen current initiatives for engaging students across the State in activities and programs that foster growth in STEM. Your Committee further finds that she has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Her experience and knowledge will be assets to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Your Committee therefore recommends that Amber Imai-Hong be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems based on her experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the public.

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

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair