GM1 SSCR2002

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO.2002

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 1, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

COMPTROLLER

GLENN M. OKIMOTO, Ph.D., for a term to expire December 02, 2002,

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and statements submitted by the nominee, as well as your Committee's past experience in working with Mr. Okimoto, your Committee finds that he has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve as Comptroller of the State of Hawaii.

Your Committee received nearly sixty letters of testimony in support of Mr. Okimoto's nomination, and none in opposition. Among those testifying in support of the nominee were the United States Congressman from the First District, the Lieutenant Governor, the heads of fourteen state departments, numerous other state employees, eighteen private business associations and unions, and twelve private citizens. Your Committee is impressed with the level of widespread support for Mr. Okimoto's nomination.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Okimoto has an impeccable academic background, which he followed with a dedicated career of public service in Hawaii. He has worked with the Department of Transportation since 1981 as an economist, a program evaluation analyst manager, and as deputy director. Mr. Okimoto was educated at the University of Hawaii, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and later, his Doctorate in Philosophy.

All who have worked with Mr. Okimoto praise his intellectual and analytical ability, his even-handedness, his focus, and most of all, his integrity. Your Committee carefully reviewed the statements submitted by Mr. Okimoto and questioned him regarding his vision for the Department of Accounting and General Services.

Based upon this review, your Committee finds that the nominee has been appointed based upon his credentials, integrity, and a desire to improve Hawaii through his service as Comptroller.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, 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 Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations,

		____________________________ CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair