STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3490

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 518, 519, 520, 521

 

 

 

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 Nos. 518, 519, 520, and 521, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Electricians and Plumbers

 

G.M. No. 518

CHARLES TANABE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 519

SHEUNG MAN WONG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 520

ROBERT BARRETT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

 

G.M. No. 521

JASON TAKARA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Charles Tanabe, Sheung Man Wong, Robert Barrett, and Jason Takara for service on the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.

 

Charles Tanabe

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Charles Tanabe from the Board of Electricians and Plumbers and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tanabe's background and desire to serve the community qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a licensed electrician member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Tanabe has been a licensed electrician in Hawaii since 2013 and has worked for Wasa Electrical Services, Inc. for nearly fifteen years.  Mr. Tanabe's extensive experience in the electrical field has enabled him to gain an excellent working knowledge of various electrical systems and components and an understanding of electrical codes, standards, and regulations.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Tanabe has served on the Board of Electricians and Plumbers on an interim basis since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  Mr. Tanabe's years of experience in the electrical trade and his familiarity with issues and concerns facing his industry will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Tanabe be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

Sheung Man Wong

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sheung Man Wong from the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; Plumbers and Fitters UA, Local 675; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wong's knowledge, background, and dedication to public service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a licensed plumber member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Wong has been a licensed plumber in Hawaii since 2010 and has worked with Dorvin D. Leis Co., Inc. for over fourteen years.  During the course of his career, Mr. Wong has worked on various commercial, residential, and mixed‑use projects, and has worked as a plumber apprentice, journeyman, foreman, and supervisor, and understands the requirements for regulating electrical and plumbing professionals.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Wong also serves as an instructor for the local apprenticeship program and as an instructor for the State's continuing competency courses for licensed plumbers, which has enabled Mr. Wong to remain at the forefront of the plumbing industry and develop a familiarity with industry-related issues.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Wong be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his background, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

 

Robert Barrett

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert Barrett from the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; Plumbers and Fitters UA, Local 675; and six individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Barrett's background and commitment to public service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Barrett has over thirty years of experience in the construction industry and is the President and co‑owner of Coast Windows, Inc., a family owned and operated vinyl window and door manufacturer in Hawaii.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Barrett is an active participant in his community and serves as a member of eleven other boards, councils, and associations, including his role as President of the Board of Directors for the Mililani Town Association and President of the Gentry Waipio Industrial Area Association.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Barrett has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and that Mr. Barrett's local business acumen and deliberative experience will be an asset to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Barrett be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his experience and commitment to public service.

 

Jason Takara

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jason Takara from the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; Plumbers and Fitters UA, Local 675; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Takara's experience, knowledge, and dedication to public safety and service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Takara is currently a life safety consultant for the Department of Health, and previously served for twenty-five years in the Honolulu Fire Department where he retired as captain in 2013.  As part of the Honolulu Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau, Mr. Takara oversaw the review of new building plans to ensure fire code compliance and safety.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Takara also serves on a number of other committees and associations, including the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting Building Board of Appeals.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Takara's extensive fire safety background will be a valuable asset to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers, as he is personally familiar with the importance of regulating electrical and plumbing professionals and the role that administrative agencies serve in the regulatory process.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Takara be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his experience, background, and dedication to the public service.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair