STAND. COM. REP. NO. 529

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 520

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 520, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Deputy Director of the Department of Budget and Finance

G.M. No. 520

RODERICK BECKER, for a term to expire 12-3-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal statement and resume submitted by Roderick Becker and had the opportunity to discuss with Mr. Becker his professional and educational background and goals for helping lead the Department of Budget and Finance.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Becker as the Deputy Director of Finance from representatives of the Office of the Governor, Department of Budget and Finance, University of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, the Hawaii State Public Library System, the Honolulu City Council, and seventeen individuals.

     It is to be noted that your Committee takes special pride in supporting the nomination of Roderick Becker.  He served as this Committee's Budget Chief from 2008-2014, and as a budget analyst for many years before that.  He was a professional and diligent worker, objective in his recommendations to past Chairs of your Committee, and extremely knowledgeable about State budget and revenue issues.  Mr. Becker was an asset who assisted the Legislature greatly in crafting budgets that helped us through the Great Recession, and these skills and experiences will be invaluable as we face the fiscal challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Your Committee is confident that Mr. Becker will serve the Governor and Director of Finance as well as he previously served the Senate and your Committee.  Your Committee also is confident that Mr. Becker will provide sound and objective advice to the Legislature.  Consequently, your Committee supports his confirmation as the Deputy Director of Finance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means 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 Ways and Means,

____________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair