SSCR915

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 915

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 504

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 504, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

G.M. No. 504

LUIS SALAVERIA,

for a term to expire 12-3-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Luis Salaveria to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated as the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Salaveria from the Governor; Department of Transportation; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Taxation; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Human Services; Office of Planning; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Land Use Commission; University of Hawaii System; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority; Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs; Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems; Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association; L&L Franchise, Inc.; Nursing Advocates & Mentors, Inc.; Filipino American Citizens League; Enterprise Hawaii; Blue Planet Foundation; Oceanit; Aukai Pacific LLC; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and twenty-four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Salaveria's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment as Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Mr. Salaveria has twenty years of experience in diverse business operations and managerial experience within the public and private sectors. Mr. Salaveria is currently the Acting Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and he has served in this capacity for the past eight weeks. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Department of Budget and Finance from 2011 to 2014. Prior to that, he served as Finance Manager of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii from 2001 to 2011. Mr. Salaveria is affiliated with diverse professional organizations. He is Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Center, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, and former member of the Board of Directors of Hale Kipa Inc. Mr. Salaveria has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Hawaii.

Testifiers commented on Mr. Salaveria's strong public service background, consistent engagement with the community and private sector, and managerial skills. These laudable qualities will benefit the Department as it strives to fulfill its mandates.

Your Committee notes from the nominee's personal statement that his vision for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is to provide strong departmental service to the State. More specifically, one future goal is the establishment of a culture that best serves the State by "growing jobs, raising incomes and cultivating innovation". Mr. Salaveria would accomplish this goal by focusing on the infrastructure, talent, and capital of the Department.

Your Committee further notes that Mr. Salaveria's personal testimony focused on maximizing the opportunities available in the present to establish the groundwork for a state infrastructure that will provide for the needs of state residents and rebrand Hawaii by incorporating both traditional images of Hawaii and high-technology energy resources and capabilities. This goal of modernizing Hawaii's brand ties in with Mr. Salaveria's other goals of encouraging innovation among the younger generations to ensure a stronger business future.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Technology 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 Economic Development and Technology,

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair