STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1985

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 529

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 529, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Deputy Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

 

G.M. No. 529

WILLIAM KUNSTMAN,

for a term to expire 12-07-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by William Kunstman for service as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of William Kunstman from the Governor; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Transportation; Department of Public Safety; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Health; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Taxation; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Office of Community Services; Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board; Schindler Elevator Corporation; AARP Hawai‘i; ALTRES, Inc.; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i; Hawaii Injured Workers Association; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii; and twenty-two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of William Kunstman from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kunstman's knowledge, dedication to public service, and experience qualify him for appointment as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.  Mr. Kunstman has over ten years of experience at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Department) and has been serving as the interim Deputy Director since December 2022.  Prior to his time with the Department, he was the Labor Committee Clerk for Senator Dwight Takamine, where he managed committee operations and assisted in the oversight of measures regarding the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Human Resources Development, Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, and Employees' Retirement System.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kunstman received a Master's degree in Public Administration and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kunstman has served in a number of capacities at the Department, including but not limited to Program Evaluation Analyst VII, Public Information Officer, Assistant to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Legislative Coordinator, and Administrative Rules Coordinator.  During the hearing, Mr. Kunstman demonstrated his knowledge of the needs of the Department and the challenges that it currently faces.  He also indicated his focus on updating the Department's policies and procedures; increasing resources and capacity, in part through modernization; re-engaging stakeholders from both the business and labor sides; and ensuring a collaborative culture between the various divisions of the Department.

 

     Your Committee also finds that testimony submitted in support of Mr. Kunstman's nomination universally speak positively as to his broad knowledge and practical experience with labor policies and issues in Hawaii.  Testimony noted that his experience in government operations, including agency oversight, budgeting, capital improvements projects, and interpersonal skills make him uniquely qualified to serve as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.  Additionally, testifiers commended his professionalism and work ethic, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

 

     After hearing from Mr. Kuntsman and considering his resume and statement, your Committee finds that Mr. Kunstman demonstrates a high-level of understanding of the mission of the Department, and his experience and dedication to public service qualify him to serve as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.  Your Committee therefore recommends that William Kunstman be appointed as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

SHARON MORIWAKI, Chair