STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1895

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 535, 536

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 535 and 536, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Land Use Commission

G.M. No. 535	BRIAN LEE, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 536	BRIAN LEE, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Brian Lee for service on the Land Use Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Mr. Lee from the Land Use Commission; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Mayor of the County of Kaua‘i; Office of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; one member of the Honolulu City Council; one member of the Maui County Council; one former member of the Senate; Building Industry Association of Hawaii; Matson Navigation Company, Inc.; Subcontractors Association of Hawaii; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; Pacific Resource Partnership; Avalon Group; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; Hawai‘i State AFL-CIO; Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3; Plumbers and Fitters United Association Local Union 675; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50, Painters Local Union 1791; Hawaii Government Employee Association; and thirty-three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Mr. Lee from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lee's background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify him to be appointed and reappointed to the Land Use Commission. Mr. Lee currently serves as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Laborers and Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Fund, where he has worked to create jobs and economic opportunities for the approximately five thousand construction industry members of the Hawaii Laborers Union. Previously, Mr. Lee served as the Director of Research and Communications for the Hawaii International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, where he similarly represented union members in the electrical contracting industry. Mr. Lee has also worked and advocated on behalf of the Hawaii Operating Engineers and Hawaii Construction Industry Association. Further, Mr. Lee has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Honolulu Planning Commission, Hawaii Workforce Development Council, University of Hawai‘i Labor Education Advisory Council, Hawaii Community Development Authority, and others.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Lee, with his diverse and extensive union and labor management background specific to the construction industry, possesses the qualifications to serve on the Land Use Commission. Your Committee believes that Mr. Lee's deep knowledge of the construction industry and its members provide him with a unique perspective that will enhance future discussions of the Commission. Your Committee further finds that testifiers in support, in addition to noting his impressive career, have praised Mr. Lee's leadership, his willingness to listen, and his thoughtful and collaborative approach to decision-making. Lastly, your Committee finds that Mr. Lee has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of members and therefore recommends that Brian Lee be appointed and reappointed to the Land Use Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair