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; Hawai‘i 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,
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____________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair |
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