STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3838

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 658

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 658, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Retirement Savings Board

G.M. No. 658

BRIAN TANIGUCHI, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Brian Taniguchi for service on the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Brian Taniguchi from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Retirement Savings Board; Hawaii Government Employee Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Sailors Union of the Pacific; Hawaii Port Maritime Council; Hawaiʻi Nurses' Association-OPEIU Local 50; IATSE Local 665; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Senator Taniguchi's background, dedication to serving the public, and extensive knowledge on the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board as a member who is a retiree who resides in Hawaii, representing retirees in Hawaii. Senator Taniguchi has over forty years of experience as an elected official in the State serving in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Prior to his retirement in 2022, Senator Taniguchi served as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Culture and the Arts, and therefore, has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Hawaii's workforce and retirees. Your Committee notes that Senator Taniguchi was instrumental in the establishment of the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program, including introducing Senate Resolution No. 76, Regular Session of Hawaii 2021, which created the Hawaii Retirement Savings Task Force to assess the feasibility of establishing the program in the State; serving as a member of the task force; and introducing and advocating for Act 296, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, which established the program under state law. Your Committee further notes that Senator Taniguchi has been serving on the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board since 2023, and finds that his thorough understanding of the legislation that established the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program and the legislative intent behind it will continue to be critical to the successful development and implementation of the program. Your Committee therefore recommends that Brian Taniguchi be reappointed to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to providing workers in the State with a vehicle to build their savings to achieve financial security in retirement.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology 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 Labor and Technology,

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair