STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1913

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 580

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 580, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Labor Relations Board

G.M. No. 580

DWIGHT TAKAMINE, for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Dwight Takamine for service on the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board as Chairperson.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dwight Takamine from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Human Services; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Academic Labor United; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Aunty & Uncle Productions; International Longshore & Warehouse Union; International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 142; UNITE HERE Local 5; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Luhua Physical Therapy and Rehab; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO; Kalo Kanu O Ka ʻAina Learning ʻOhana; ILWU Memorial Association; Alumside Products, Inc.; Honokoaʻa Heritage Center; four members of the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board; and thirty-nine individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Takamine's background and extensive experience qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board as Chairperson and a representative of the public. Mr. Takamine is an attorney and currently retired, and has extensive work experience in the Legislature, executive branch, and private sector that uniquely qualify him as Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Takamine served as Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Labor and Public Employment for six years, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations for four years, and Legislative Director of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 142 for one year. In these roles, Mr. Takamine became a respected leader in labor relations, demonstrating a deep commitment to ensuring that workers' rights are protected and employers and employees alike are treated fairly. These diverse experiences enable Mr. Takamine to demonstrate his collaborative leadership style and seek equitable compromises in resolving labor disputes before the Board. Testifiers shared their respect for Mr. Takamine's passion, leadership, and fairness. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Takamine has served as interim Chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board since October 2024 and is therefore familiar with the role and responsibilities of its members. Accordingly, your Committee recommends that Dwight Takamine be appointed to the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board as the Chairperson based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving the public.

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