STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3482

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 541

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 541, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Public Utilities Commission

 

G.M. No. 541

LEODOLOFF ASUNCION, JR.,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Leodoloff Asuncion, Jr. for service on the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Leodoloff Asuncion, Jr. from the Office of the Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Department of Agriculture; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; SanHi Government Strategies; Hawaii Gas; Hawaii Clean Power Alliance; Hawaii Public Utilities Commission; Capitol Consultants of Hawaii; and nineteen individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Leodoloff Asuncion, Jr. from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Asuncion's background, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for reappointment to the Public Utilities Commission.  Mr. Asuncion has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University of Hawaii.  Mr. Asuncion also has a Master of Business Administration degree from Hawaii Pacific University.  Mr. Asuncion has served on the Public Utilities Commission since May 2019.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Asuncion has nearly thirty years of experience in planning, policy analysis, and management in the State.  Prior to his confirmation last year, Mr. Asuncion served in various roles at the Office of Planning, including serving as Director and Interim Director, where he oversaw management, administration, and operations of the Planning Division and was responsible for a number of programs and the Special Plans Branch.  Additionally, as the Director of the Office of Planning, Mr. Asuncion represented the Office of Planning before the Hawaii Congressional Delegation, State Legislature, and various decision-making bodies.  Before serving as the Interim Director, Mr. Asuncion served as the manager of the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program at the Office of Planning.

 

     Prior to joining the Office of Planning, Mr. Asuncion spent several years handling resource planning in the private sector, including serving as a Senior Regulatory Analyst and Senior Integrated Resource Planning Analyst for Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., and as a Project Planner/Manager for SSFM International, Inc.  Mr. Asuncion also previously worked as a planner for the Hawaii State Judiciary and for the State Land Use Commission.  Mr. Asuncion is active in a number of state and national boards and associations, including the American Planning Association where he serves as President-Elect.  As a member of the National Board of Directors for the American Planning Association, Mr. Asuncion is able to share, on a national platform, how Hawaii is leading its energy transformation and implementing emerging best practices to better inform the State's energy transition.

 

     Testifiers commented that Mr. Asuncion's service on the Public Utilities Commission, his understanding of planning, economics, and regulatory and fiscal principles will continue to be an asset to the Public Utilities Commission.  Mr. Asuncion's broad background in different areas of planning provides the Public Utilities Commission with a diverse perspective on ensuring public benefits from regulated industries.  Mr. Asuncion is also aware of the need for action to address our climate crisis through timely climate mitigation, such as achieving our one hundred percent renewable energy mandate.

 

     Your Committee notes from Mr. Asuncion's personal statement that, during his next term, Mr. Asuncion intends to implement and evaluate a performance-based regulation framework.  He also hopes to assist in ensuring the State is on pace to achieve its next milestone goal of the Renewable Portfolio Standards as well as ensuring that Hawaii's public utilities are operating at a high-level of sustained efficiency and providing programs that benefit the public.

 

     Your Committee notes that Mr. Asuncion's extensive urban planning background, leadership skills, and thorough understanding of regulatory requirements will continue to be an asset to the Public Utilities Commission and to Hawaii residents.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Asuncion be reappointed to the Public Utilities Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to serving in the public's best interest.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair