STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1906

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 565, 656, 668

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 565, 656, and 668, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects

G.M. No. 565	JOHN TAKITANI, for a term to expire 06-30-2028;
G.M. No. 656	TONY LAU, for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 668	ALISSA TOYAMA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by John Takitani, Tony Lau, and Alissa Toyama for service on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects.

JOHN TAKITANI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Takitani from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects; Mahi Pono; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Takitani's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects as a public member from Maui County. Mr. Takitani has over ten years of experience in the heavy civil construction industry as a project manager for water, wastewater, and storm drainage materials in Hawaii and currently serves as the Senior Project Manager for Pacific Pipe Co. Mr. Takitani is also an active member in his community and serves on the American Cancer Society Board and was a committee member for the 2024 GIFT Foundation. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Takitani has served as an interim member of the Board since July 30, 2024, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Mr. Takitani's professional experience and community involvement will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board and represent the unique perspectives of Maui County. Your Committee therefore recommends that John Takitani be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

TONY LAU

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Tony Lau from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects; American Society of Civil Engineers Hawaii Section; Yogi Kwong Engineers, LLC; Iwamoto Engineering Consultants, Inc.; GMSE LLC; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lau'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 professional engineer member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Lau has over thirty years of experience in civil engineering and has been licensed as a civil engineer in Hawaii since 1996. Mr. Lau has worked as a Design Production Director at the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Hawaii since 2021, and before that served as a Civil Engineering Technical Discipline Coordinator. Mr. Lau also previously served as the Associate Vice President and Federal Business Group Manager at HDR Engineering, Inc. Your Committee notes that Mr. Lau has served on the Board since 2021 and currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tony Lau be reappointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

ALISSA TOYAMA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alissa Toyama from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, FAI Architects, OMIZU Architecture Inc., and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Toyama's background and interest in serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects as a professional architect member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Toyama has been a registered architect in Hawaii since 2017. Ms. Toyama is currently an Associate at FAI Architects, where she serves as an architect and project manager for various projects. Ms. Toyama also previously worked as an architectural technician and CAD technician and is a registered construction document technologist. Ms. Toyama is also active in a number of professional and community organizations, including Docomomo, American Institute of Architects, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, among others, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Alissa Toyama be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on her knowledge, background, and desire to serve her community.

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,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair