STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1603

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 587, 588, 589, 590, 591

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 587, 588, 589, 590, and 591, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board

 

G.M. No. 587

WAYNE DE LUZ,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015;

 

G.M. No. 588

WAYNE DE LUZ,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 589

CARL D. JOHNSEN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 590

RUSSELL WONG,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019; and

 

G.M. No. 591

BYRON HANSEN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Wayne De Luz, Carl D. Johnsen, Russell Wong, and Byron Hansen to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board.

 

 

WAYNE DE LUZ

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Wayne De Luz from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. De Luz's background, experience, and desire to contribute to the community qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board as an industry member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. De Luz has over thirty years of experience with the automotive industry in Hawaii, is currently the Owner and President of Big Island Motors, Inc., in Hilo, and has been a board member of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association for over sixteen years.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. De Luz has served as an interim appointee on the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board since August 2014, and his years of experience in the motor vehicle industry continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. De Luz be appointed and reappointed to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to protecting automobile consumers.

 

CARL D. JOHNSEN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Carl D. Johnsen from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Johnsen's background, commitment to public service, and proven leadership on the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board qualify him for reappointment to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Johnsen's background is in commercial real estate, and he has been a leader in the Hawaii shopping center industry for over thirty years.  Mr. Johnsen's experience in a regulated industry has also provided him with valuable insight into the State's regulatory system.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Johnsen has been a member of the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board since July 2011, and his keen understanding and ability to represent consumers' interests continue to enhance discussions of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Johnsen be reappointed to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board based on his knowledge and desire to contribute to the community.

 

RUSSELL WONG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Russell Wong from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wong's background, experience, and desire to contribute to the community qualify him for appointment to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board as an industry member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Wong has over thirty years of experience in the automotive industry, including executive leadership positions in automotive finance and dealership operations, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Aloha Auto Group, Ltd.  Mr. Wong has also been a member of various industry and business groups and previously served as the Director of the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Wong understands the role and responsibilities of board members and his automotive industry background and business knowledge will be an asset to the discussions of the board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Wong be appointed to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to advocating for consumer rights.

 

BYRON HANSEN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Byron Hansen from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hansen's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hansen's background includes almost twenty years working for Volkswagen Hawaii in a dealer support role, and later, almost thirty years with Bank of Hawaii, where he held positions of responsibility in consumer and commercial lending.  Mr. Hansen is also a former licensed realtor and has an understanding of the State's licensing process from the perspective of a professional licensee.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Hansen has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and his experience in the automotive and banking fields will be an asset in the course of board discussions.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Hansen be appointed to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board based on his knowledge, background, and commitment to serving the public.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair