STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1866

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 600, 616

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. 600 and 616, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Stadium Authority

G.M. No. 600	ERIC FUJIMOTO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 616	ANDREW PEREIRA, 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 Eric Fujimoto and Andrew Pereira for service on the Stadium Authority.

ERIC FUJIMOTO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Eric Fujimoto from the Stadium Authority; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fujimoto's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for reappointment to the Stadium Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Fujimoto has been a private wealth advisor at Ho‘ea Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, since 1994. During the course of Mr. Fujimoto's career, he has gained broad experience providing financial advice in the State and has been constantly ranked number one in Hawaii in Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Fujimoto is extensively involved in his community, focusing on education and athletics, evidenced by his previous service as president of University of Hawaii Football and board member of University of Hawaii Athletics, and his current services as the Hawaii Chapter President for the Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association, regent for Chaminade University, and member of the Hawaii Estate Planning Council. Your Committee notes that Mr. Fujimoto has been serving on the Stadium Authority since 2020, the last two years as its Vice Chair, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of it members. Your Committee finds that Mr. Fujimoto's extensive professional financial background, knowledge of opportunity zones and its tax implications, and his commitment to numerous community organizations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Fujimoto be reappointed to the Stadium Authority based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

ANDREW PEREIRA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Andrew Pereira from the Stadium Authority; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association; International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3 ALF-CIO; Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters; Imanaka Asato, LLLC; D.R. Horton Hawaii; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; LAM Capital LLC; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Pereira's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Stadium Authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Pereira is a public relations professional with thirty years of experience in the media, communication, and community outreach field in the State. Mr. Pereira has been the Director of Public Affairs for the Pacific Resource Partnership since 2023, where he supervises and guides media relations and community outreach for the partnership's projects; provides guidance on government policy and legislation to strategic partners at the county, state, and federal levels, and public sector businesses; and manages the partnership's public awareness campaigns. Mr. Pereira has also been serving as the Vice President of Communications Pacific since 2020, providing guidance to clients, including the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) communications team, on various communication needs, including strategic counseling, management of media and government relations, crisis communications, and organizational branding. Mr. Pereira's professional experience also includes serving as the Communications Director and Public Information Officer for the City and County of Honolulu from 2015 to 2019, and as an investigative reporter and producer at local news outlets. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Pereira has been serving as an interim member of the Stadium Authority since July 2024, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Mr. Pereira's expertise in strategic communications and public relations and knowledge of the NASED project will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Andrew Pereira be appointed to the Stadium 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