SSCR4002

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4002

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 824, 825

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. 824 and 825, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Stadium Authority

G.M. No. 824

WILFRED OKABE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

G.M. No. 825

WILFRED OKABE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Wilfred Okabe for service on the Stadium Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Wilfred Okabe from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawai‘i Police Department; Hawaii County Office of Aging; and twenty-five individuals.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Okabe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Secondary Education from Willamette University, and later received his Master of Education degree from Heritage College. He taught at Pahoa High and Intermediate School and Hilo High School before serving as the President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association from 2009 to 2015. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Okabe served as Managing Director for the County of Hawaii from 2016 to 2019, and was instrumental in keeping the people of the County of Hawaii informed and coordinated during the 2018 Lower Puna Eruption and lava flow. Your Committee notes that Mr. Okabe is active in the community and is a member of numerous commissions and associations, including serving on the State Aquatic and Wildlife Commission as a board member and the Hawaii County Fire Commission and Hawaii County Police Commissions as chairperson.

Your Committee finds that the Stadium Authority has, pursuant to section 109-1(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, a responsibility to "maintain, operate, and manage the stadium development district." Section 109-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, further lists the powers and duties of the Stadium Authority as follows:

(1) To repair, maintain, and operate stadium facilities and the stadium development district, including:

(A) Repairs, maintenance, operations, and demolition of existing stadium facilities;

(B) Operations and maintenance of a new stadium; and

(2) To coordinate in planning, design, and construction activities, including on-site repairs, within the stadium development district;

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(4) To prescribe and collect rents, fees, and charges for the use or enjoyment of the stadium, facilities related to the stadium, and real property held by the stadium authority, including entering into leases, contracts, sponsorship and advertising agreements, food and beverage agreements, concession agreements, parking agreements, or other development and use agreements that may apply; provided that leases shall not exceed a term of ninety-nine years; [and]

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(8) To plan, promote, and market the stadium and related facilities

Your Committee further finds that, especially in light of ongoing construction and development projects relating to the stadium, fulfilling the responsibilities, powers, and duties of the Stadium Authority requires significant business, development and planning acumen, as well as specialized knowledge and experience in the fields of land management, finance, and construction.

Your Committee has reviewed the background information and testimony submitted and finds that Mr. Okabe is a skilled educator, administrator, and leader with a proven commitment to integrity and collaborative problem-solving. His diverse experience, perspective, and range of skills are valuable assets and he has used them to great effect in the diligent and passionate service of the community. However, your Committee does not believe that Mr. Okabe is qualified to fulfill the statutorily mandated responsibilities and duties of a member of the Stadium Authority. Specifically, your Committee does not find that Mr. Okabe currently possesses the specialized expertise in land management, finance, and construction to further the projects being currently undertaken by the Stadium Authority.

Therefore, your Committee cannot recommend with full confidence a nominee who does not immediately possess the specialized skills necessary to fulfill the duties of members of the Stadium Authority. Although Mr. Okabe could likely gain those skills while serving as a member, the accelerated timetable of the important projects currently being untaken by the Stadium Authority requires a nominee who would be able to immediately perform the duties of the Authority with a high degree of understanding and competency.

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 nominee, recommends that the Senate not advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

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GLENN WAKAI, Chair