SSCR1865

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1865

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 511, 615

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 511 and 615, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority

G.M. No. 511

LISA PAULSON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and

G.M. No. 615

CHRISTIAN WEST,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Lisa Paulson and Christian West for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

LISA PAULSON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lisa Paulson from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association; Maui Food Bank; Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau; and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Paulson's experience, background, and dedication to public service qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Your Committee notes that Ms. Paulson currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Maui Food Bank, where she cultivates relationships with governmental officials, nonprofit organizations, media, foundations, donors, and community members. Ms. Paulson has over twenty-five years of experience driving strategic growth and visibility for businesses and nonprofit organizations, including serving as the Executive Director and Lobbyist for the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, as the Community Liaison for Hospitality and Environmental Resource Preservation for the Maui County Mayor's Office, and as the Director of Strategic Communications for Maui Health. Your Committee finds that Ms. Paulson has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving the public, particularly during the 2023 Maui wildfires, where she dedicated countless hours to provide support to local communities and assist visitors, coordinating with the hotel and visitor industry and the government . Your Committee notes that Ms. Paulson has been serving on the Board as an interim member, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Ms. Paulson's extensive experience in community outreach and demonstrated understanding of the visitor industry will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Lisa Paulson be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

CHRISTIAN WEST

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christian West from the Hawaii Tourism Authority; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; United Public Workers, AFSME Local 646, AFL-CIO; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association; UNITE HERE! Local 5; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3, AFL-CIO; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1357, AFL-CIO; and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186, AFL-CIO.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. West's experience, background, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. West currently serves as the President of ILWU Local 142, the largest private union in the State, where he represents sixteen thousand workers, oversees contract negotiations for almost 10,000 hotel employees, and liases and represents the union in civic and legislative affairs. Mr. West has over two decades of experience advocating for worker rights, including eighteen years as the Hawaii Longshore Division Representative and nine years as the Hawaii Longshore Division Negotiating Committee Member for ILWU Local 142. Your Committee finds that Mr. West has demonstrated a commitment to his local community through his work in athletics, as a wrestling coach at Kamehameha Schools and Iolani School, and as the former owner of Hawaii Martial Arts Center, where he provided low-cost programming to Liholiho Elementary students and implemented an anti-bullying program. Your Committee notes that Mr. West has been serving on the Board as an interim member, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Mr. West's insights into the challenges faced by hotel workers and the hotel industry and extensive experience in labor relations and collaboration with all stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and tourism officials, will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Christian West be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism 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 Economic Development and Tourism,

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair