STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3543

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 637, 638, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695

 

 

 

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. 637, 638, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, and 695, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Contractors License Board

 

G.M. No. 637

CLYDE HAYASHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

 

G.M. No. 638

JOSEPH O'DONNELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

 

G.M. No. 688

ERIC HIGASHIHARA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 689

LEONARD LEONG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 690

LESLIE ISEMOTO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 691

MAURICE TORIGOE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 692

NEAL ARITA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 693

NEAL ARITA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 694

NICHOLAS TEVES, JR.,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 695

PAUL ALEJADO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Clyde Hayashi; Joseph O'Donnell; Eric Higashihara; Leonard Leong; Leslie Isemoto; Maurice Torigoe; Neal Arita; Nicholas Teves, Jr.; and Paul Alejado for service on the Contractors License Board.

 

CLYDE HAYASHI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Clyde Hayashi from the Contractors License Board; Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club; Painters Labor Management Cooperation Fund, Tapers MRF, Glaziers Stabilization Fund, Carpet and Soft Tile MRF; and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hayashi's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hayashi has over twelve years of experience working in labor-management stabilization/market recovery programs.  Mr. Hayashi currently works in government affairs at the Hawaii Iron Workers' Stabilization Fund.  Over the course of his career, he has worked for the Hawaii Masons' Union, Local 630; Hawaii Laborers‑Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hawaii Nurses' Association; National AFL-CIO; and Aloha United Way/AFL‑CIO Partnership.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Hayashi has served as an interim member of the Contractors License Board since July 1, 2019, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  His extensive experience in labor and government relations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Clyde Hayashi be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

JOSEPH O'DONNELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Joseph O'Donnell from the Contractors License Board; Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club; Painters Labor Management Cooperation Fund, Tapers MRF, Glaziers Stabilization Fund, Carpet and Soft Tile MRF; and two individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. O'Donnell's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. O'Donnell has worked at the Ironworkers Union Local 625 for nearly thirty years as the Financial Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager and a Business Agent.  Previously, Mr. O'Donnell was an ironworker and has over fifty years of experience in the Hawaii construction industry.  Mr. O'Donnell currently serves on the Honolulu Liquor Commission and Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and is a Trustee of the Hawaii Ironworkers Structural Pension Plan and Hawaii Ironworkers Administration Office.  Your Committee finds that Mr. O'Donnell has served as an interim member of the Contractors License Board since July 1, 2019, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  His extensive experience in employee benefit trust funds will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Joseph O'Donnell be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

ERIC HIGASHIHARA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Eric Higashihara from the Contractors License Board and six individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Higashihara's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Higashihara has been a private wealth advisor since 1997.  He is currently the owner of an Ameriprise Financial franchise.  Additionally, Mr. Higashihara serves on the Board of Trustees of Assets School and as a Finance Committee member of the Mid‑Pacific Country Club.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Higashihara has served as an interim member of the Contractors License Board since July 1, 2019, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  His extensive experience in financial planning will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Eric Higashihara be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

LEONARD LEONG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Leonard Leong from the Contractors License Board; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Pacific Resource Partnership; Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc.; Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawaii; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; Paul's Electrical Contracting LLC; Hensel Phelps Construction Co.; Ralph S. Inouye Co, Ltd; Nordic PCL Construction; Hawaii Laborers' Union, Local 368; Alan Shintani, Inc.; and ten individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Leong's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a general engineering or building contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Leong is a licensed general contractor and has over fifty years of experience in general contracting, most of which with the Royal Contracting Company Limited.  Mr. Leong's participation in professional organizations includes serving as the Director of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Trustee of the Hawaii Laborers Trust Fund, and Trustee of the Operating Engineers Local Union 3.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Leong has served on the Contractors License Board since July 1, 2014 and currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson and Rules Committee Chairperson.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  His extensive experience in general engineering and building will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Leonard Leong be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 


LESLIE ISEMOTO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Leslie Isemoto from the Contractors License Board; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hawaii Laborers' Union; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; Hensel Phelps Construction Co.; Pacific Resource Partnership; Backyard Monkey LLC; Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc.; and seventeen individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Isemoto's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a general engineering or building contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Isemoto has thirty-two years of experience in the field of "A" general engineering and "B" general building contracting.  He has served as the President and Responsible Managing Employee of Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. since 1997.  Mr. Isemoto is a member of the Hawaii Island Contractors Association and Associated General Contractors of America and has served as a company representative to the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kanoelehua Area Industrial Association, and General Contractors Association of Hawaii.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Isemoto has served as a member of the Contractors License Board since January 19, 2016, and currently serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Scope of Activity Committee.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  His extensive experience in contracting continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Leslie Isemoto be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

MAURICE TORIGOE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Maurice Torigoe from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and one individual. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Torigoe's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a specialty contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Torigoe has over fifty years of experience in the construction industry and has been a licensed journeyman plumber for thirty‑four years and a licensed plumbing contractor in Hawaii since 1986.  He began M. Torigoe Plumbing in 1985.  Previously, Mr. Torigoe served on the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Torigoe has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in plumbing will enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Maurice Torigoe be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

NEAL ARITA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Neal Arita from the Contractors License Board, Subcontractors Association of Hawaii, and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Arita's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a specialty contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Arita has nearly thirty-years' experience in mechanical contracting and service.  He is currently the Hawaii Market Manager at Carrier Corporation and serves as a member of the Contractor License Advisory Committee.  Previously, Mr. Arita was the Executive Director of the Sheet Metal Contractors Association and Administrator for the Sheet Metal Industry Fund.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Arita has served as an interim member of the Contractors License Board since July 1, 2019, and previously served the Board from 2005 to 2012.  He has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  His extensive experience in electronic systems, plumbing, refrigeration, sheet metal, and ventilating and air‑conditioning will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Neal Arita be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 


NICHOLAS TEVES, JR.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Nicholas Teves, Jr. from the Contractors License Board and four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Teves' background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a specialty contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Teves has nearly fifty years of electrical contracting experience and has been the President of Commercial Electric, Inc. for forty‑seven years.  He holds supervising electrician, responsible managing employer, electrical contractor, and pole and line contractor licenses.  He currently serves as Past President of the Pacific Electrical Contractors' Association and member of the Board of Directors of Sand Island Business Association.  He previously served on the Board of Electricians and Plumbers and Aloha Tower Commission.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Teves has served as a member of the Contractors License Board since 2017, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  His extensive experience in electrical contracting will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Nicholas Teves, Jr. be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

PAUL ALEJADO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Paul Alejado from the Contractors License Board and four individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Alejado's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Contractors License Board as a general engineering or building contractor member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Alejado has over thirty years of experience in the construction industry and has worked as a general contractor at Noa Pacific Construction since 2004.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Alejado has served as an interim member of the Contractors License Board since September 1, 2019, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  His extensive experience in the construction industry will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Paul Alejado be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to 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